Four undocumented migrants were arrested last week after federal agents caught them working at an Exeter business, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Mexican nationals Miguel Bruno-Vasquez, Vicente Coyotecal Matias and Jesus Gallardo-Bautista were arrested along with Geoli Perez-Santana, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, according to ICE.
The agency said all four were illegally working in the United States.
“(This) 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 ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations 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.”
Federal agents began an investigation in March after receiving a tip that Gallardo was working at Wyoming Valley Pallets Inc. in Exeter.
A message left at the company was not immediately returned Monday afternoon.
Gallardo had an outstanding arrest warrant after being arrested for driving without a license and under the influence in Scranton on April 29, 2021, according to ICE.
According to ICE, Gallardo entered the U.S. on June 16, 2007, and was required to leave by Dec. 11, 2007. After illegally remaining in the country beyond that date, he was ordered to be deported in absentia on May 8, 2013.
Gallardo’s DUI case is still pending.
Agents say Coyotecal was previously arrested at the U.S. border twice in 1999 and that Perez-Santana was previously arrested after entering the country near Calexico, California, on Oct. 25, 2022.
Bruno-Vasquez has no previous encounters with ICE.
Following their arrests on Thursday, all four individuals were taken to the Pike County Jail for processing.