U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Buffalo has removed two Guatemalan fugitives who were illegally present in the United States and wanted for felony offenses in their home country. The removal took place on May 12.
Cesar Germain Lopez-Chacon, 28, entered the U.S. without admission by an immigration official at an unknown date and location. He was arrested by the Asbury Park Police Department in New Jersey on January 13, 2023, for domestic assault and drug-related charges. ICE Newark later discovered that Lopez-Chacon had an outstanding warrant in Guatemala for assaulting a government official. After further legal issues, including a theft arrest by Neptune Township Police Department on July 19, 2024, he was eventually detained by ICE Newark during a targeted enforcement operation on March 7. An immigration judge ordered his removal from the U.S. on April 23.
Francisco Manuel Lopez, 32, also entered the U.S. under similar circumstances without proper admission. He was first encountered by ICE at Rikers Island Correctional Facility in February 2014 and was ordered removed on April 1 of that year but reentered illegally later on. Following various legal challenges including convictions for illegal reentry and weapon possession, ICE Buffalo arrested him again upon his release from state custody in April this year.
On April 23, ICE Buffalo confirmed that Francisco Manuel Lopez is wanted internationally for gender-based violence offenses in Guatemala.
Both individuals were handed over to Guatemalan authorities upon their arrival back home.
The public is encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activities via ICE’s online tip form or follow ERO Buffalo's updates on social media platform X at @EROBuffalo.
