A father and son were apprehended on March 26 for their involvement in fentanyl trafficking and illegal firearms sales in Southern California. The operation was carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in collaboration with several federal and state law enforcement agencies.
“Transnational crime, including the trafficking of fentanyl and weapons, remains a persistent and dangerous threat to our communities,” stated John Pasciucco, the acting Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles. He emphasized the commitment to disrupting criminal networks and their trafficking routes to uphold justice.
Charged in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California were Antonio Espinoza Zarate, 55, also called “El Gato,” and his 31-year-old son, Francisco Javier Espinoza Galindo. Antonio faces additional charges of illegal reentry into the United States.
Court documents reveal that in July 2023, Antonio Espinoza sold firearms and over 500 grams of fentanyl pills without a proper license. August 2023 saw another sale of an AR-style rifle and fentanyl, allegedly supplied by Francisco Espinoza. Further transactions occurred in January and February 2025, culminating in sales of fentanyl to a confidential informant in the presence of his son.
Antonio Espinoza, a Mexican national, has a record of deportations in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2017, followed by illegal reentries. If found guilty, both men face a maximum life sentence and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal imprisonment.
“ATF is working alongside the Department of Homeland Security to assist with their immigration efforts in the Los Angeles area,” commented Kenneth Cooper, the ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division. He highlighted the focus on dealing with drug traffickers and dangerous criminals who have illegally entered the U.S.
The operation was led by the ICE HSI's El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force with the cooperation of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, supported by the Los Angeles Police Department.
To report any suspicious activities related to fentanyl and firearms trafficking, the public is encouraged to call 1-866-347-2423.
Learn more about ICE HSI’s community mission on X at @HSILosAngeles.
