Related Federal Cases
- Letitia James Blocks Trumps Illegal Funding Freeze, New York NY, 2024 · New Mexico
- Letitia James Sues Live Nation for Illegal Monopoly, New York NY, 2023 · Washington
- Valve Corporation, Promoting Illegal Video Game Gambling, New York,… · New York
- New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, Illegal Kickback Sche… · New York
- Wall Street Firms, Financial Malfeasance, New York NY, 2023 · Washington
Ariel Benjamin Gregorio Santiago, Illegal Re-entry, New York 2025
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Two men, Ariel Benjamin Gregorio Santiago and Zeferino Marceliano Leon, pleaded guilty to re-entry of a removed alien in a federal court in Buffalo, New York.
Ariel Benjamin Gregorio Santiago, 36, confirmed to Border Patrol agents that he is a citizen of Mexico, not a national of the United States. Further investigation revealed he was previously removed from the United States in 2011 and twice in 2019.
Zeferino Marceliano Leon, 35, also a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the United States in 2011.
According to Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, the two men were encountered by Border Patrol agents on July 24, 2025.
Gregorio Santiago was sentenced to four months in prison, while Marceliano Leon was sentenced to time served. He was then turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at repelling the invasion of illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.
The investigation was led by U.S. Border Patrol under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo emphasized the importance of enforcing immigration laws and holding individuals accountable for re-entering the country illegally.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Human Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News