U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced the arrest of Manuel Fernando Loja-Loja, a 38-year-old Ecuadorian national, on charges related to the illegal re-entry of a previously deported individual. Loja-Loja faces potential consequences, including a maximum prison sentence of two years and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Henning and Sasha Mascarenhas indicated that the arrest followed an incident on March 28, 2025. A North Tonawanda police officer pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation near Thompson and Payne Avenues. U.S. Border Patrol officers were requested to assist in verifying the occupants of the vehicle, which included Loja-Loja. It was determined based on questioning that Loja-Loja, a citizen of Ecuador, lacked legal documentation to be in the United States. Records showed he was deported in March 2004.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and reducing violent crime. The operation integrates resources from the Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Loja-Loja appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is currently detained. The investigation was conducted by the North Tonawanda Police Department, led by Chief Keith Glass, and U.S. Border Patrol, led by Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs.
It remains important to note that charges against a defendant are accusations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.