U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced the arrest and charging of Manuel Fernando Loja-Loja, a 38-year-old Ecuadorian citizen, for illegal re-entry into the United States. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to two years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
According to the criminal complaint, Loja-Loja was stopped by a North Tonawanda police officer on March 28, 2025, for a traffic violation near Thompson and Payne Avenues. Upon further investigation and assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, officials discovered Loja-Loja was in the U.S. unlawfully. He had been deported in March 2004 and lacked documentation to legally remain in the country.
This case is tied to Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aiming to address illegal immigration and related crimes, leveraging resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Loja-Loja appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained. The arrest results from a joint investigation by the North Tonawanda Police Department, led by Chief Keith Glass, and U.S. Border Patrol, guided by Patrol Agent Martin B. Coombs.
It is important to note that an accusation does not equate to guilt, as Loja-Loja is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
