A Mexican national, Abel Airam Franco Garcia, was sentenced on April 7 to over three years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. This follows an attempt to smuggle firearms and suspected narcotics into Mexico, as uncovered by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigation.
Francisco B. Burrola, ICE Homeland Security Investigation Arizona Special Agent in charge, commented on the case: “Trafficking firearms to Mexico is a federal offense and further it directly contributes to transnational organized crime that explicitly endangers public safety on both sides of the border.” He added that the agency would do everything possible to curb firearm smuggling attempts.
The investigation revealed that Franco Garcia, aged 22 and from Sonora, Mexico, had previously pleaded guilty to smuggling goods from the United States. His conviction relates to a June 25, 2024 incident when authorities stopped him at the San Luis, Arizona, Port of Entry. A vehicle inspection revealed four firearms, six magazines—including two high-capacity ones—ammunition, and suspected fentanyl, which Franco Garcia admitted to transporting for payment after driving from Phoenix.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites various law enforcement entities with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence, thus aiming to enhance neighborhood safety. The Department of Justice supports PSN by advancing community trust, endorsing violence-prevention organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and evaluating outcomes.
Prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Goldberg from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Phoenix.
