A 39-year-old Ecuadorian citizen, Lucas Celas Saula, has been arrested and charged with illegal re-entry into the United States. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
According to Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, Saula was encountered by law enforcement on September 7, 2025, at a retailer in Cheektowaga, New York. A check of his vehicle records revealed that he had previously been ordered removed from the United States in November 2014 and confirmed his Ecuadorian citizenship. When questioned by officers, Saula did not possess any documents authorizing him to be or remain in the country legally.
“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 information provided by authorities.
Saula made an initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and remains detained pending further proceedings.
The complaint resulted from an investigation conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under Customs and Border Protection leadership and Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
