ICE Philadelphia and law enforcement partners execute worksite enforcement operation at Wyoming Valley Pallets Inc.

PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Scranton and Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia, FBI Scranton, IRS-Criminal Investigations Scranton, the U.S. Marshals Service Scranton and other law enforcement partners executed a worksite enforcement operation at Wyoming Valley Pallets Inc. in Exeter on June 5. The operation resulted in the administrative arrests of three illegal aliens from Mexico: Miguel Bruno-Vasquez, Vicente Coyotecal Matias and Jesus Gallardo-Bautista. Additionally, Geoli Perez-Santana, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was arrested. All were illegally working in the United States.

"Today's operation highlights the significant detriments of employing illegal workers, which undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts lawful businesses at a disadvantage," said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. "We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend those who violate immigration laws and to protect the interests of both legal workers and employers who follow the law."

This investigation began on or about March 14, when HSI Scranton was notified by ERO of a positive employment hit confirmation on Gallardo, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for driving under the influence. All four individuals were transported to the Pike County Jail for processing after their arrests. This enforcement action is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative.

Gallardo last entered the U.S. on June 16, 2007, with authorization to remain until Dec. 11, 2007; however, he remained beyond that date without authorization. Gallardo was ordered removed from the U.S. on May 8, 2013, in absentia. Gallardo was previously arrested by the Scranton Police Department on April 29, 2021, for driving under the influence and driving without a license. The case is still pending.

Coyotecal was previously arrested at the U.S. border on March 1, 1999, and June 3, 1999, and given voluntary returns.

Bruno-Vasquez has no previous encounters with ICE.

Perez-Santana was previously arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol on Oct. 25, 2022, near Calexico, California, after illegally crossing the U.S. border from Mexico. Perez-Santana was served a notice to appear and released on his own recognizance.