Mexican Man Charged with Illicit Re-entry

BUFFALO, N.Y. – In a move to crack down on immigration, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of 41-year-old Jose Antonio Barcena-Ruiz, a citizen and national of Mexico, who has been charged with illegally re-entering the United States.

According to a statement from the Department of Justice, Barcena-Ruiz was apprehended by Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel on May 31, 2025 in Clarence, New York. When questioned about his citizenship, Barcena-Ruiz admitted to being from Mexico, but failed to produce any documentation that would have allowed him to legally remain in the country.

A records check revealed that Barcena-Ruiz had been physically removed from the United States on multiple occasions – in 2008, twice in 2009, and once in 2010. This history of previous removals is a stark indication of the defendant’s repeated disregard for U.S. immigration laws.

Barcena-Ruiz made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy this morning and was subsequently detained. The arrest is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating the influx of illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting U.S. communities from violent crime.

This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer.

The complaint against Barcena-Ruiz carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. It is essential to note that, at this point, the defendant is merely accused of the crime and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.