A 24-year-old man from Reynosa, Mexico, identified as Guadalupe Mendiola-Urbina, has been sentenced to 38 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of attempting to smuggle several firearms to Mexico. U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced the sentence, noting Mendiola-Urbina's plea on March 21, 2023, as reported by the Department of Justice.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane issued the sentencing for Mendiola-Urbina, who was discovered on May 18, 2022, in possession with $4,000 upon his entrance to the United States at the Hidalgo Port of Entry. That same day, his attempt to exit the country back to Mexico with the concealed weapons resulted in his arrest. The inspection of his vehicle revealed seven Glock pistols and eight firearm magazines hidden within.
During the trial, Mendiola-Urbina admitted he intended to smuggle the firearms across the border. The DOJ report states that "Mendiola-Urbina admitted to hiding the firearms and magazines in the vehicle to take them to Mexico." As he is not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal operations post-incarceration.
The investigation into the case was a collaborative effort between Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. Mendiola-Urbina will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility, with a specific location to be determined. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan.
