Two Ukrainian men, Mykhailo Ivanchyn, 21, and Ihor Zelskyi, 27, have been charged with illegal entry into the United States, as announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. The charges stem from an incident on April 28, 2025, when U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended the men near the international border between the United States and Canada in Franklin County, Vermont. Both individuals were found wearing backpacks and water waders and lacked legal status or authorization to reside in the U.S.
Ivanchyn and Zelskyi appeared in court on April 29, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. The judge has ordered them to remain in custody pending their detention hearings, which are scheduled for May 2 and May 5, 2025, respectively.
The United States Attorney’s Office clarified that the charges are allegations at this stage, and both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted, they could each face up to six months in prison, with the exact sentence to be determined by the Court in accordance with the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher recognized the efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Cate is the prosecutor in the case. Ivanchyn is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Barclay Johnson, while Zelskyi is represented by attorney Rick Bothfeld.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations, with a focus on community protection.
