Honduran man charged with illegal re-entry

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Petronilo Castillo Bonilla, 39, a citizen and national of Honduras, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on June 24, 2025, Border Patrol agents encountered a vehicle in Buffalo, NY, which was registered to Castillo Bonilla, who was previously ordered removed from the United States. As agents approached two individuals, who were previously seen exiting the vehicle and were now returning to the vehicle, and asked if one was Castillo Bonilla, both individuals immediately ran in opposite directions. After a brief chase and struggle, agents were able to detain both individuals. When questioned about his citizenship and legal status in the United States, Castillo Bonilla did not provide any information for the agents. During a brief search of his clothing, a Honduran passport was discovered. Subsequent investigation determined that Castillo Bonilla is a citizen and national of Honduras, and not a citizen or national of the United States. He was physically removed from the United States in December 2018.

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. 

Castillo Bonilla made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

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