Castillo Bonilla Guilty

Petronilo Castillo Bonilla, 40, a citizen and national of Honduras, has pleaded guilty to re-entry of a removed alien, a federal crime that has landed him in hot water with U.S. authorities.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Castillo Bonilla was sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The defendant’s guilty plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, marking the end of a lengthy investigation into his activities.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who handled the case, stated that Castillo Bonilla is an alien without any legal status in the United States. This fact was underscored by his previous arrest for public intoxication in Tennessee, which led to his removal from the United States in August 2017.

However, Castillo Bonilla’s troubles didn’t end there. On June 24, 2025, he was found in Erie County, NY, by U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the parking lot of a store in Amherst, NY. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a Honduran passport but did not have any legal documents allowing him to be present in the United States.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that aims to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The operation has been instrumental in bringing individuals like Castillo Bonilla to justice.

The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge David Banks. The investigation highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in combating illegal immigration and related crimes.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the guilty plea and sentencing, emphasizing the need for individuals to respect the laws of the United States. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of violating immigration laws and the importance of upholding the rule of law.

RELATED: Castillo-Bonilla Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry

RELATED: Castillo-Bonilla Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry