A Mexican citizen, Jose Antonio Barcena-Ruiz, 41, pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry in Buffalo federal court and was sentenced to time served. U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara issued the sentence after Barcena-Ruiz admitted to being present in the United States without legal documentation.
According to Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, Barcena-Ruiz was located by Homeland Security agents in Erie County, New York on May 31, 2025. Authorities determined that he did not have legal permission to be in the country. A records check showed that Barcena-Ruiz had previously been removed from the United States once in 2008, twice in 2009, and again in 2010.
“This investigation 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 a statement released by federal authorities.
Following his sentencing, Barcena-Ruiz was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further action.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
