U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest and charging of two Guatemalan nationals, Sebastian Tzib Putul and Mario Salguero Sandoval, with illegal re-entry into the United States. The charges carry a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith is handling the cases. According to the complaint against Tzib Putul, he was among six individuals stopped by U.S. Border Patrol Agents on June 9, 2025, in Cheektowaga, NY. Upon questioning about their citizenship and legal status, it was determined that Tzib Putul did not possess documents permitting him to remain in the United States lawfully. He had been removed from the country in January 2024.
In a separate incident on June 10, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol Agents stopped a vehicle in Buffalo, NY, with seven occupants including Salguero Sandoval as the driver. When questioned about his citizenship and legal status, Salguero Sandoval failed to provide any statements or a valid driver’s license and was subsequently taken into custody. It was found that he had been previously removed from the United States in July 2015.
Both defendants appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were detained pending further proceedings.
These arrests are part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
The investigation leading to these charges was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol under Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.
It is important to note that charges are merely accusations and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
