Alexander M.M. Uballez U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico
Federal authorities have charged four individuals with firearms offenses in New Mexico, following a series of law enforcement operations across the state. The accused are illegal aliens found in possession of firearms.
On February 25, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at an apartment in Albuquerque. In one bedroom, agents discovered a loaded pistol with an extended magazine containing 19 rounds of ammunition. A witness claimed the firearm belonged to Maikol Ramos, who is confirmed to be unlawfully present in the United States and is a citizen of Venezuela. Ramos faces charges for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
In another room, agents found another loaded pistol and ammunition under a bed. Antoni Herrera, also from Venezuela and illegally residing in the U.S., admitted ownership of the firearm, which he had received as payment for a debt two weeks prior. Herrera faces similar charges as Ramos.
Earlier on February 19, HSI executed another federal search warrant at Raul Esparza-Gonzalez's residence in Espanola, New Mexico. Agents seized 11 firearms comprising pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles. Esparza-Gonzalez admitted purchasing these weapons privately despite knowing it was illegal for him to possess them due to his immigration status; he had previously been deported to Mexico but re-entered the U.S. about six years ago illegally.
In January 2025, HSI initiated an investigation into Cristhian Ortega-Lopez after receiving an anonymous tip. Ortega-Lopez is suspected of having ties with Tren de Aragua and allegedly lived with other illegal aliens in Las Cruces while possessing firearms. Evidence from social media showed Ortega-Lopez handling multiple firearms at a shooting range. He entered the U.S. illegally on December 15, 2023.
All four men remain in custody awaiting trial dates yet to be scheduled; if convicted on current charges they could each face up to 15 years imprisonment.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S Attorney Holland S Kastrin along with Jason T Stevens Special Agent-in-Charge Homeland Security Investigations El Paso.
These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations aided by Bureau Indian Affairs Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office Albuquerque Police Department Bureau Alcohol Tobacco Firearms Explosives New Mexico State Police while Assistant US Attorneys Timothy Trembley Patrick Cordova Maria Armijo Ry Ellison prosecute them
