Colombian National Lozano Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Edwuin Rogelio Lozano, 46, a Colombian national, has been sentenced for the brazen act of illegally re-entering the United States, despite a prior order of removal. The case, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by federal law enforcement at the border and within the nation’s interior.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lozano pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to the charge of illegal re-entry. Following the guilty plea, Lozano received a sentence of time served and was immediately handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings. The swift transfer to ICE underscores the priority placed on removing individuals who have repeatedly violated immigration laws.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly detailed the circumstances surrounding Lozano’s apprehension. Lozano, an alien with no legal standing in the United States, was initially removed from the country in December 2020, following a formal order of removal. He was discovered on April 6, 2025, in Erie County, New York, riding as a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Department of Homeland Security agents at a local hotel. Lozano readily admitted his unlawful presence within U.S. borders.

This case isn’t being treated as an isolated incident. It’s part of “Operation Take Back America,” a sweeping, nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice. The operation aims to aggressively combat illegal immigration, dismantle the networks of powerful cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and shield American communities from the surge in violent crime often associated with such groups. The DOJ is throwing everything it has at the problem, and Lozano’s case is a small, but significant, victory.

The investigation that led to Lozano’s conviction was spearheaded by the U.S. Border Patrol, operating under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs. Border Patrol agents are on the front lines, constantly working to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to circumvent established immigration laws. The agency’s diligence in this case was crucial in bringing Lozano to justice.

While the sentence of time served may appear lenient to some, the immediate transfer to ICE ensures that Lozano will be removed from the country. This case highlights the complex interplay between federal law enforcement agencies and the challenges of managing immigration and border security. Grimy Times will continue to follow Operation Take Back America and report on the ongoing efforts to secure the border and protect American communities.

RELATED: Colombian Lozano Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-Entry in Buffalo