Two men have been charged with illegal re-entry into the United States in separate criminal complaints, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. The charges carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The first defendant, Evaristo Calixto Miranda Lopez, 37, is a native and citizen of Guatemala. Law enforcement encountered Miranda Lopez on November 2, 2025, in Cheektowaga, New York. Authorities reported that he attempted to flee but was apprehended and detained. He did not possess legal status or immigration documents permitting him to remain in the United States. Records show that Miranda Lopez had previously been removed from the country in both August and September of 2019.
The second defendant, Jairo Anain Roman Murillo, 26, is a native and citizen of Honduras. On October 29, 2025, law enforcement encountered Roman Murillo in Hamburg, New York. After fleeing from authorities and hiding in the woods during an extensive search, he was located and taken into custody. Like Miranda Lopez, Roman Murillo did not have legal status or immigration documents allowing him to stay in the United States. He had previously been removed from the country in November 2019.
Both defendants made their initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were detained pending further proceedings.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, "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."
The investigation leading to these charges was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Station under Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas is prosecuting the case.
Officials emphasized that "the fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."
