Wilmer Orlando Canelas-Najera, a 44-year-old Honduran citizen, faces charges of illegal reentry and preventing his departure from the United States. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest, noting that the offenses could lead to a maximum prison sentence of four years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, handling the case, explained that on April 1, 2025, a U.S. Border Patrol Anti-Smuggling Unit observed a pickup truck with Maryland plates at the Marriott Hotel in Amherst, NY. Records linked the vehicle to "Canelas, Wilmer," previously deported from the U.S. Agents approached two individuals at the location, one resembling Canelas. Responding to the name "Wilmer," Canelas allegedly fled after being identified by agents. His eventual capture occurred after a chase, during which he reportedly evaded agents and locked himself in a hotel room.
Canelas was ordered removed from the U.S. in 1997, missed his immigration hearing, and was deported in March 2017. He was apprehended later that year in September and deported again. This arrest is part of "Operation Take Back America," a Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational crime.
Canelas appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is currently detained. The case results from an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, led by Patrol Agent-in-Charge Martin B. Coombs.
A criminal charge is an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.