U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest and charging of two Guatemalan nationals, Sebastian Tzib Putul, 32, and Mario Salguero Sandoval, 36, for illegal re-entry into the United States. The charges carry a potential penalty of up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith is handling the cases. According to the complaint against Tzib Putul, he was apprehended on June 9, 2025, in Cheektowaga, NY. He was among six individuals stopped by U.S. Border Patrol Agents who determined that he lacked documentation to remain lawfully in the United States. Tzib Putul had previously been removed from the country in January 2024.
In a separate incident on June 10, 2025, Salguero Sandoval was stopped by U.S. Border Patrol Agents in Buffalo, NY while driving a vehicle with seven occupants. He failed to provide any statements or a valid driver’s license when questioned about his legal status and was subsequently taken into custody. It was found that Salguero Sandoval had been removed from the United States in July 2015.
Both men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were detained following their initial court appearances.
These arrests are part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
The investigations were conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under the leadership of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.
It is important to note that being charged with a crime is an accusation; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
