A major federal enforcement operation in Cayuga County has led to the detention of 57 people and criminal charges against five individuals for illegal reentry into the United States.
The raid took place on September 4 at a workplace suspected of employing undocumented immigrants. The operation is one of the largest worksite enforcement actions in recent history in the Northern District of New York, according to federal officials.
Five charged with illegal reentry after removal
Federal prosecutors say five individuals—four from Guatemala and one from Mexico—were charged with illegally reentering the United States after being previously removed. The defendants include:
- Alex Ben Chipin, 39, a.k.a. Antonio Lopez-Mendez (Guatemala)
- Argentina Juarez-Lopez, 50 (Guatemala)
- Luis Jom-Morales, 27 (Guatemala)
- Gregorio Baldemar Ramirez-Perez, 45 (Guatemala)
- Francisco Salvardo-Mora, 22 (Mexico)
Each faces up to 2 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 1 year of supervised release, if convicted. The remaining 52 individuals were detained administratively and face immigration proceedings.
U.S. Attorney: “The bad old days of turning a blind eye are over”
In a press conference on September 9, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III emphasized the government’s intent to hold employers accountable for hiring unauthorized workers.
“We will aggressively pursue criminal investigations against those who violate our laws by employing non-citizens without authorization,” Sarcone said. “There will be consequences.”
He also pointed to high unemployment in areas like Cayuga County and stressed that such jobs should be available to lawfully authorized U.S. workers.
HSI, IRS, and Border Patrol lead joint investigation
The investigation is being led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. Agencies including ICE, Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Marshals Service, and local sheriff’s offices assisted with the operation.
Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of HSI Buffalo said the raid is part of a broader effort to uncover exploitative labor practices and ensure compliance with immigration and labor laws.
More worksite actions coming
Sarcone warned that additional raids could follow. “You can expect to see federal law enforcement at more worksites, going forward. We owe it to the American people to enforce our immigration laws fairly, firmly, and without exception.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
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