BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Antonio Barcena-Ruiz, 41, a citizen and national of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 31, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel encountered Barcena-Ruiz and three others in a vehicle in Clarence, NY. When questioned about his citizenship, Barcena-Ruiz stated that he was from Mexico. When asked for documentation, Barcena-Ruiz provided a Mexican passport and a New Mexico driver’s license but had no additional documentation that allowed him to be present or remain in the United States legally. A records check determined that Barcena-Ruiz was physically removed from the United States in 2008, two times in 2009, and in 2010.
U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo also announced today that Sebastian Tzib Putul, 32, and Mario Salguero Sandoval, 36, both citizens and nationals of Guatemala, were arrested and charged in separate complaints with illegal re-entry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Smith, who is handling the cases, stated that according to the complaint against Tzib Putul, on June 9, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol Agents stopped a vehicle in Cheektowaga, NY, which included six individuals, including Tzib Putul. When questioned regarding their citizenship and legal status in the United States, it was determined that Tzib Putul is a citizen and national of Guatemala and did not have any documents that would allow him to be or remain in the United States lawfully. Tzib Putul is a native and citizen of Guatemala, who was physically removed from the United States in January 2024.
According to the complaint against Salguero Sandoval, on June 10, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol Agents stopped a vehicle in Buffalo, NY, which included seven individuals, including Salguero Sandoval, who was the driver of the vehicle. When questioned about his citizenship and legal status in the United States, he did not provide any statements and did not provide a valid driver’s license. Salguero Sandoval was taken into custody. It was subsequently determined that he is a citizen and national of Guatemala, who was physically removed from the United States in July 2015.
All three defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were detained.
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.