A Guatemalan man, Wilson Oswaldo Galvan-Lope, 25, was arrested and charged with illegal reentry into the United States. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo in Rochester, New York. The charge potentially carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, explained the circumstances leading to the charge. On March 24, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations special agents were conducting surveillance on an Orange Street residence in Rochester. The target of their investigation was Galvan-Lope, suspected of reentering the United States after deportation. When a truck left the residence, the driver resembled Galvan-Lope's photograph, prompting agents to stop the vehicle near Whitney Street and Lyell Avenue. Routine identity checks revealed that Galvan-Lope and two passengers lacked immigration status and all three were taken into custody. Galvan-Lope had been previously deported in May 2023.
The case is part of a broader initiative, Operation Take Back America, which aims to tackle illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and safeguard communities from violent crime.
Galvan-Lope appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland for an initial hearing and was ordered detained. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
It is important to note that the charge is an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.