BUFFALO, N.Y. – Two men attempting to cross the Peace Bridge into Canada found themselves facing federal charges today after Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers uncovered a scheme to illegally enter and remain in the United States. Fredy Hernandez-Lopez, 19, a citizen of Mexico, and Pablo Marlon Frias Teran, 40, a citizen of Ecuador, are both accused of visa fraud, a crime carrying a hefty maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The trouble began in the early morning hours of August 26, 2025, when a vehicle carrying both men made a wrong turn, leading them to the Peace Bridge Port of Entry from within the United States. Hernandez-Lopez was immediately flagged when he couldn’t produce any identification. A secondary inspection revealed a United States Permanent Resident Card and a Social Security Card, both in the name of “Freddy HERNANDEZ.” Investigators quickly determined these documents were outright fakes.
Frias Teran fared no better. He too lacked proper identification and was pulled for secondary inspection to determine his immigration status. Officers discovered an Alien Registration Receipt Card bearing the name “Marlon Teran,” which also proved to be fraudulent. But the deception didn’t end there. Records revealed Frias Teran had already been ordered removed from the United States back in July 2024 – and had simply ignored the order, remaining illegally in the country.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, leading the prosecution, has built a case based on the evidence seized at the port of entry and subsequent investigation. The details paint a clear picture: both men allegedly attempted to use forged documents to bypass legitimate immigration procedures and remain in the U.S. despite lacking legal authorization. This isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about a deliberate attempt to undermine the system.
Both Hernandez-Lopez and Frias Teran made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr., and were immediately detained pending further proceedings. The investigation was conducted by CBP, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, highlighting the agency’s commitment to securing the border and enforcing immigration laws.
It’s crucial to remember that these are merely allegations at this stage. As U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo stressed, the fact that these men have been charged with a crime does not equate to guilt. Hernandez-Lopez and Frias Teran are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments as they unfold.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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