Three Mexican men charged in separate complaints with illegal re-entry

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that three Mexican nationals were charged in separate criminal complaints with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Charged in the complaints are Ariel Benjamin Gregorio Santiago, 35, Jorge Alfredo Martinez Sanchez, 50, and Zeferino Marceliano Leon, 35.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaints:

• On July 24, 2025, Border Patrol agents were conducting surveillance at an Amherst, NY, residence suspected of employing several illegal alien contractors. Agents stopped a work vehicle as it pulled away from the residence. Ariel Benjamin Gregorio Santiago and Zeferino Marceliano Leon were passengers in the vehicle. When questioned by agents, the two men confirmed that that they are citizens of Mexico, and not a national of the United States. Further investigation determined that Gregorio Santiago was previously removed from the United States in 2011 and twice in 2019, and Marceliano Leon was previously removed in 2011.
• On July 27, 2025, Border Patrol agents were conducting surveillance at a local retail store in Cheektowaga, NY. Agents encountered a parked work van in the parking lot and observed seven individuals dressed in construction clothing exiting the store and approaching the work van. Agents approached and questioned the seven individuals, including Jorge Alfredo Martinez Sanchez, who is a citizen of Mexico, and not a national of the United States. He did not have any documents that would allow him to be or remain in the United States lawfully. Martinez Sanchez was previously removed from the United States in 2017.

All three defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were detained.

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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The complaints are 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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