David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDVIN BARNICA ESQUIVEL, 34 a citizen of Guatemala, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2012, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) arrested Barnica in Falfurrias, Texas. On March 22, 2012, Barnica was removed to Guatemala. On November 19, 2017, Barnica, who was using the alias “Edvin Morales,” was arrested by the Hammonton, New Jersey, Police Department and charged with aggravated assault. He subsequently pleaded guilty to third degree aggravated assault and was sentenced to three years of incarceration. On April 4, 2019, Barnica was removed to Guatemala.
It is further alleged that, on February 23, 2025, Barnica was arrested by Danbury Police and charged with assault in the third degree and disorderly conduct. These charges were subsequently dismissed. On October 18, 2025, Barnica was arrested by Danbury Police and charged with attempted arson, breach of peace, and criminal mischief offenses. These charges are pending, and Barnica was released on a $20,000 bond and resided in Danbury at the time of his federal arrest.
Barnica appeared yesterday in Bridgeport federal court and was ordered detained.
If convicted of the charge of unlawful reentry, Barnica faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Connecticut — U.S. Department of Justice press release.