On June 5, 2025, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, conducted a labor compliance raid at Wyoming Valley Pallets Inc. located in Exeter, Pennsylvania in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Scranton, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia, FBI Scranton, IRS Criminal Investigations Scranton, and U.S. Marshals Service Scranton.
During the operation, three Mexican nationals who were illegally present in the United States were administratively arrested: Miguel Bruno-Vasquez, Vicente Coyotecal Matias and Jesus Gallardo-Bautista. In addition, Geoli Perez-Santana, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was arrested. All were working illegally in the country.
Official statements
Edward V. Owens, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia, stated:
“Today’s operation highlights the significant harms of employing illegal workers, which undermines the integrity of our immigration system and disadvantages law-abiding businesses.”
“We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners.”
“To identify and apprehend those who violate immigration laws and protect the interests of both legal workers and employers who follow the law.”
Background of the detainees
Buzzy
Jesús Gallardo-Bautista: Last entered the U.S. on June 16, 2007 with authorization to remain until December 11, 2007.
However, it remained beyond that date without authorization.
He was ordered to be removed from the U.S. on May 8, 2013, in absentia.
He was previously arrested by the Scranton Police Department on April 29, 2021 for driving under the influence of alcohol and without a license.
The case is still pending.
Vicente Coyotecal Matías: Previously arrested at the U.S. border on March 1, 1999 and June 3, 1999, and granted voluntary returns.
Miguel Bruno-Vasquez: No previous encounters with ICE.
Geoli Perez-Santana: He was previously arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol on October 25, 2022, near Calexico, California.
This after illegally crossing the border from Mexico.
He was served with a notice to appear and released on his own recognizance.
All individuals were transported to the Pike County Jail for processing following their arrests.
Implications for Hispanics
This ICE raid highlights the importance of employers verifying the legal status of their employees.
And that workers are aware of their immigration status.
They were all working illegally in the country
Federal authorities continue to focus on immigration enforcement, especially in workplaces.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
