Two Guatemalans Caught Re-Entering US Illegally

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Two men from Guatemala have been charged with re-entering the United States illegally, officials announced yesterday.

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.

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.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the cases, stated that Tzib Putul is accused of violating Title 8, U.S.C. § 1326, which prohibits an alien who has been previously removed from the United States from re-entering the country without proper documentation.

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.

Both defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were detained.

The investigations are 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.

The complaints are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.

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.