Mexican man arrested, charged with illegal reentry

BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Agustin Meza Lopez, 30, a citizen and national of Mexico, 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 Kimberly Irvin Jefferson, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in the early morning hours of August 31, 2025, Lopez was encountered by a Customs and Border Protection officer at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry in Lewiston, NY. He was an occupant in a Virigina plated vehicle that made a wrong turn onto the bridge. Lopez claimed to be a Mexican citizen but did not present any identity documents at the time. He was referred to secondary inspection to determine his identity and immigration status in the United States. A records check determined that Lopez was physically removed from the United States in August 2021.

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.

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

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

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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