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Published on January 19, 2025
Two Mexican Nationals Sentenced in Texas for Roles in Arms Smuggling Scheme to MexicoSource: Unsplash/Wesley Tingey

In a federal case that sheds light on the illegal arms trade across the US-Mexico border, two Mexican nationals have been recently handed prison sentences for their involvement in a scheme to smuggle AR-15 gun parts into Mexico. Jose Francisco Garcia-Cervantes received a 57-month sentence, while his associate, Ricardo Rodriguez-Sotelo, was sentenced to 78 months back in October, as per a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Texas.

Details emerged about the operation's modus operandi, revealing that Garcia-Cervantes transported the illicit goods across the border, while Rodriguez-Sotelo was responsible for preparing the gun parts for transportation at a storage unit in Laredo, Texas. These repackaged parts were eventually trucked into Mexico. Though two men have been sentenced, the case is far from closed, as three co-defendants—Chandler Britain Bradford, Troy Vernon Erbe, and Jesus Guzman-Delgado—are awaiting their day in court.

The U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza conveyed the gravity of the situation, stating, "Rodriguez-Sotelo and Garcia-Cervantes played significant roles in an operation that moved a vast number of gun parts from the United States to Mexico. We will continue to work diligently with law enforcement partners to combat weapons trafficking and the illegal flow of guns to Mexico." This case is part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to stem the tide of illegal weapons trafficking that contributes to international criminal activity, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.

A joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and Department of Commerce Export Enforcement Division played a pivotal role in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Calve, representing a concerted effort by various branches of law enforcement to dismantle the networks that facilitate gun smuggling.