Wilson Paul Loja-Angamarca, a 28-year-old citizen of Ecuador, pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry into the United States in federal court in Buffalo, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara sentenced Loja-Angamarca to time served, after which he was transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith said Loja-Angamarca did not have legal status in the United States and had previously been removed from the country in October 2019. He was located on July 24, 2025, in Cattaraugus County, New York, without documentation allowing him to be legally present.
“This case 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 the statement.
The investigation leading to Loja-Angamarca’s arrest and prosecution was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato.
