U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations Scranton, in collaboration with Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia, FBI Scranton, IRS-Criminal Investigations Scranton, the U.S. Marshals Service Scranton, and other law enforcement partners conducted a worksite enforcement operation at Wyoming Valley Pallets Inc. in Exeter on June 5. This operation led to the administrative arrests of three Mexican nationals: Miguel Bruno-Vasquez, Vicente Coyotecal Matias, and Jesus Gallardo-Bautista. Additionally, Geoli Perez-Santana from the Dominican Republic was also arrested for working illegally in the United States.
"Today's operation highlights the significant detriments of employing illegal workers, which undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts lawful businesses at a disadvantage," stated Edward V. Owens, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. "We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend those who violate immigration laws and to protect the interests of both legal workers and employers who follow the law."
The investigation commenced around March 14 when HSI Scranton received notification from ERO regarding a positive employment hit confirmation on Gallardo, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for driving under the influence. Following their arrests, all four individuals were transported to Pike County Jail for processing as part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative.
Gallardo last entered the U.S. on June 16, 2007, with permission to stay until December 11 that year but remained without authorization beyond that date. He was ordered removed from the U.S. on May 8, 2013. Previously arrested by Scranton Police Department on April 29, 2021, for driving under influence and without a license; his case remains pending.
Coyotecal faced previous arrests at the U.S. border on March 1 and June 3 in 1999 but was given voluntary returns.
Bruno-Vasquez has no prior encounters with ICE.
Perez-Santana was previously arrested by U.S Border Patrol near Calexico, California on October 25, 2022 after crossing illegally from Mexico; he was served notice to appear then released on recognizance.
