U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest and charging of Petronilo Castillo Bonilla, a 39-year-old Honduran national, for re-entry into the United States after removal. This offense carries a potential sentence of up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly are handling the case. According to the complaint, Border Patrol agents encountered a vehicle registered to Castillo Bonilla in Buffalo, New York, on June 24, 2025. When agents approached two individuals who were returning to the vehicle and asked if one was Castillo Bonilla, both fled in opposite directions. After a brief pursuit and struggle, agents detained both individuals.
During questioning about his citizenship status in the United States, Castillo Bonilla did not provide information but was found with a Honduran passport upon searching his clothing. Further investigation confirmed that he is neither a citizen nor national of the United States and had been removed from the country in December 2018.
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 while protecting communities from violent crime.
Castillo Bonilla appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained pending further proceedings.
The investigation leading to this complaint 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 against defendants are accusations only; they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
