A Mexican citizen, Jose Antonio Barcena-Ruiz, 41, has pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry into the United States. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara in Buffalo, New York. Following his plea, Barcena-Ruiz was sentenced to time served and transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
According to Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, Barcena-Ruiz was discovered by Homeland Security agents in Erie County, New York on May 31, 2025. At the time of his discovery, he did not possess legal documentation permitting him to be in the country. A review of records revealed that Barcena-Ruiz had previously been removed from the United States once in 2008, twice in 2009, and again in 2010.
"This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime," according to a statement included with the announcement.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
