Ecuadorian Man Charged With Illegal Reentry Into The United States
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 10:45 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
BUFFALO, NY.- A 38-year-old Ecuadorian national residing illegally in the Western District of New York is facing up to 24 months in federal prison after being charged with allegedly reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo reported that Manuel Fernando Loja-Loja, 38, of Ecuador was charged by federal criminal complaint with one count of Illegal Reentry into the United States by a Previously Deported Alien. Loja-Loja made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was ordered detained pending trial.
According To Charging Information Filed In The Complaint
According to charging information filed in the criminal complaint, on March 28, 2025, while on routine patrol, a North Tonawanda Police Officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the area of Thompson and Payne Avenues. During the traffic stop, the North Tonawanda Police contacted U.S. Border Patrol to assist in identifying the occupants in the vehicle, including Loja-Loja.
During questioning, Police Officers and Border Patrol Agents, determined that Loja-Loja is a citizen and a national of Ecuador, and not a United States citizen or green card holder.
Further investigation and a records check revealed that Loja-Loja had previously been removed from the United States in March 2004. The criminal complaint alleges that Loja-Loja had illegally reentered the United States on an unknown date and from an unknown location without obtaining permission or legal authorization to do so.
If convicted at trial, Loja-Loja will face up to 24 months in federal prison, and a $250,000 fine. Upon a finding of guilt, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offense and Loja-Loja’s prior criminal history. Upon completion of any sentence imposed, Loja-Loja will face immediate deportation proceedings.
The case is was brought as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”