U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of Marvin Jose Espana, a 46-year-old Honduran citizen, on charges of illegal re-entry into the United States. The charge could lead to a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, overseeing the case, explained that Buffalo Border Patrol Station agents responded to Amherst Police officers' request for assistance on April 15, 2025. During a traffic stop, police detained two individuals and discovered through records that Espana was illegally present in the U.S. after previous deportations in June 2007 and August 2014.
This incident is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration and combating cartels and transnational criminal organizations to safeguard communities from violent crime.
Espana appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and remains detained pending further proceedings.
The investigation leading to Espana's arrest was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez's direction.
It is important to note that being charged with a crime does not imply guilt; Espana is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
