Ecuadorian National Nabbed for Illegal Re-Entry in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Another body hits the federal system. Wilson Paul Loja-Angamarca, 28, a citizen of Ecuador, is facing serious time after being charged with re-entry of a removed alien, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today. If convicted, Loja-Angamarca could spend up to two years behind bars and be slapped with a $250,000 fine.

The feds say Loja-Angamarca was already kicked out of the United States back in 2019, but decided to test his luck returning. Homeland Security agents caught up with him during a routine traffic stop in Allegany on July 24, 2025. He had no legitimate paperwork, and his unlawful presence didn’t take long to surface. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly are prosecuting the case.

This bust isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of “Operation Take Back America,” a sweeping nationwide push by the Department of Justice. The DOJ claims it’s about “repelling the invasion of illegal immigration,” a loaded phrase that signals a hard line on border security. They’re also aiming to dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and bring down violent crime. Expect more of these arrests as the operation ramps up, utilizing resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Loja-Angamarca appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was immediately detained, meaning he’s cooling his heels in jail while awaiting trial. Don’t expect a quick release. The investigation was spearheaded by the U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Juan Ramirez, Jr., who are clearly taking a zero-tolerance approach to repeat offenders.

This is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The feds are making a show of these cases, hoping to send a message. But the system is clogged, and the border remains porous. Still, for Loja-Angamarca, the message is clear: attempting to circumvent U.S. immigration laws comes with serious consequences.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Loja-Angamarca is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as they develop.