Jose Antonio Barcena-Ruiz, 41, a citizen and national of Mexico, has pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara in Buffalo, New York.
According to Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, Barcena-Ruiz was found in Erie County, NY, by Homeland Security agents on May 31, 2025, without proper documentation to be present in the United States legally.
A records check revealed that Barcena-Ruiz had been physically removed from the United States in 2008, two times in 2009, and in 2010, highlighting his history of illegal re-entry.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protecting communities from violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the guilty plea, stating that Barcena-Ruiz was sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, in collaboration with Immigration authorities.
The outcome of this case demonstrates the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address illegal re-entry and related crimes, and to uphold the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
As part of Operation Take Back America, the Department of Justice is working to marshals its full resources to repel the invasion of illegal immigration and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The guilty plea and sentencing of Barcena-Ruiz serve as a reminder of the consequences of illegal re-entry and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in addressing this issue.
RELATED: Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-Entry in Buffalo
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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