U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest and charging of two Guatemalan nationals, Sebastian Tzib Putul, 32, and Mario Salguero Sandoval, 36, with illegal re-entry into the United States. The charges carry a potential penalty of up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith is handling the cases. According to the complaint against Tzib Putul, he was apprehended on June 9, 2025, during a vehicle stop by U.S. Border Patrol Agents in Cheektowaga, NY. Among six individuals questioned about their citizenship and legal status in the U.S., Tzib Putul was identified as a Guatemalan national without lawful documentation to remain in the country. He had previously been removed from the U.S. in January 2024.
In a separate incident on June 10, 2025, Salguero Sandoval was stopped by U.S. Border Patrol Agents while driving a vehicle in Buffalo, NY. Of seven individuals present in the vehicle, Salguero Sandoval did not provide statements or a valid driver's license when questioned about his citizenship and legal status. He was later confirmed as a Guatemalan national who had been removed from the U.S. in July 2015.
Both men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were detained pending further proceedings.
These arrests are part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.
It is important to note that charges are accusations only; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
