An Indian citizen, Swapnil Ramesh Tejale, 34, has pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents in a federal court in Buffalo, New York. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Tejale was sentenced to time served and subsequently transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
According to Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, Tejale did not have legal status in the United States. On July 10, 2025, he was stopped by United States Border Patrol Agents while carrying a counterfeit Permanent Resident Card that claimed he had legal status in the country. The card displayed his biographical information and photograph but lacked security features such as clear watermarks and proper background imaging. It also used an incorrect font. Tejale admitted to agents that the document was fake. Further checks confirmed he had never been granted lawful permanent residency.
"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 released by authorities.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol Niagara Falls Station under Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikal.
