Man from Ecuador arrested, charged with illegal re-entry

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lucas Celas Saula, 39, a citizen and national of Ecuador, 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, who is handling the case, stated that on September 7, 2025, Saula was encountered by law enforcement at a retailer in Cheektowaga, NY. A records check of Saula’s vehicle determined that he was previously ordered removed from the United States in November 2014 and is a citizen and national of Ecuador. When questioned by officers, Saula did not have any documents that would allow him to be or remain in the United States lawfully.

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.

Saula made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy. 

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