Ecuadorian man arrested, charged with illegal reentry

BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Luis Antonio Loja Quizhpi, 40, a citizen and national of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal reentry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, On February 28, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations discovered that Loja Quizhpi was unlawfully present in the United States. An investigation determined that he owned a roofing company based in Olean, NY. On September 26, 2025, HIS conducted a traffic stop of Loja Quizhpi’s vehicle. He did not possess the proper documentation to remain in the United States and was taken into custody. Further investigation determined that Loja Quizhpi was physically removed from the United States in November 2007.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice 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.

Loja Quizhpi made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.