U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest and charging of Jose Antonio Barcena-Ruiz, a 41-year-old Mexican citizen, with illegal re-entry into the United States. This charge could result in a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, overseeing the case, reported that on May 31, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials encountered Barcena-Ruiz in Clarence, NY. During questioning about his citizenship, Barcena-Ruiz identified himself as Mexican and presented a Mexican passport along with a New Mexico driver’s license but lacked legal documentation to reside in the U.S. Records revealed his prior deportations from the United States in 2008, twice in 2009, and again in 2010.
Barcena-Ruiz appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy for an initial hearing where he was detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations to protect communities from violent crime.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan’s direction and Immigration and Customs Enforcement led by Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer.
It is important to note that charges are accusations only; Barcena-Ruiz is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
