PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested four individuals during a worksite enforcement operation at Wyoming Valley Pallets Inc. in Exeter on June 5.
The joint operation, led by Homeland Security Investigations Scranton and Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia, was supported by FBI Scranton, IRS-Criminal Investigations Scranton, the U.S. Marshals Service Scranton, and additional law enforcement partners. The individuals arrested include three Mexican nationals — Miguel Bruno-Vasquez, Vicente Coyotecal Matias, and Jesus Gallardo-Bautista — along with Geoli Perez-Santana, a citizen of the Dominican Republic. All were found to be working in the United States without authorization.
“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.”
All four individuals were transported to Pike County Jail for processing following their arrests.
Investigation triggered by outstanding DUI warrant
The investigation began on or around March 14 after HSI Scranton received notification from ERO of a positive employment hit on Gallardo-Bautista, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for driving under the influence. Gallardo previously entered the U.S. on June 16, 2007, with authorization to remain until December 11, 2007, but overstayed his visa. He was ordered removed from the country on May 8, 2013, in absentia and was later arrested by Scranton Police on April 29, 2021, for DUI and driving without a license. That case remains pending.
Coyotecal Matias was previously apprehended at the U.S. border twice in 1999 and voluntarily returned both times.
Bruno-Vasquez had no prior encounters with ICE before this operation.
Perez-Santana was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol on October 25, 2022, near Calexico, California, after illegally entering the U.S. from Mexico. He was served a notice to appear and released on his own recognizance at that time.
The enforcement action is part of the ongoing Homeland Security Task Force initiative.
