Lorenzo Antonio Loja-Castro, a citizen of Ecuador, has been charged after being arrested for illegally re-entering the United States. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo made the announcement, stating that Loja-Castro could face a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine for re-entry after removal.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas is managing the case. She pointed out that in March 2025, Homeland Security Investigations obtained information about suspected illegal aliens working at townhomes in Hamburg, New York. It was reported that these workers were causing unsafe living conditions, such as blocking tenant units and not communicating effectively with tenants.
On March 26, 2025, law enforcement conducted surveillance. During questioning, Loja-Castro, who said he was from Ecuador and lacked immigration documents, was identified among the workers. Further investigation revealed he had previously been apprehended in Middleport, New York, and deported from the U.S. in July 2024.
This arrest is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice. The operation aims to address illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. Resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood are being utilized in this effort.
Loja-Castro had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is currently detained. The investigation was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations, under the supervision of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
