BUFFALO, N.Y. – A Honduran man is facing serious charges after authorities caught him sneaking back into the United States.
Petronilo Castillo Bonilla, 39, a citizen and national of Honduras, was arrested by Border Patrol agents in Buffalo, NY, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. He stands accused of re-entry as an alien who had been previously removed from the country, a crime that carries a potential sentence of up to two years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The incident began on June 24, 2025, when Border Patrol agents noticed a vehicle registered to Castillo Bonilla. The agents approached individuals seen exiting the vehicle, including Castillo Bonilla, who was identified through a brief chase and struggle. During questioning, Castillo Bonilla failed to provide any information regarding his citizenship or legal status in the United States.
A Honduran passport was discovered during a search of his clothing, leading to the discovery that he is indeed a citizen of Honduras, not the United States. His previous removal from the country occurred in December 2018.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an aggressive national initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protecting communities from violent crime. Castillo Bonilla made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer, where he was detained.
The investigation leading to the charges against Castillo Bonilla was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs. It is important to note that a defendant has been charged with a crime, which merely constitutes an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
RELATED: 39-Year-Old Honduran Charged with Illegal Re-entry
RELATED: Castillo-Bonilla Charged with Illegal Re-Entry
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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