U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of two Mexican nationals, Israel De La Cruz San Juan, 29, and Candido De La Cruz San Juan, 34, in Buffalo, New York. They face charges of illegal re-entry into the United States after being previously removed. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas explained that on April 27, 2025, agents from the Buffalo Border Patrol Station were conducting surveillance when they noticed a work truck with expired registration in Tonawanda, NY. A traffic stop revealed that all three occupants of the vehicle were illegally present in the country. Both Israel and Candido De La Cruz San Juan were taken into custody.
Israel De La Cruz San Juan had been deported from the United States in November 2017, while Candido De La Cruz San Juan was deported twice before—in May 2012 and July 2013.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
The defendants appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder Jr., where they were detained pending further proceedings.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez's direction.
It is important to note that charges are accusations at this stage; both individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
