Michael Alexander Ayala-Ramirez, a 20-year-old illegal alien from El Salvador, has been sentenced in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska. The sentencing on May 8, 2025, was for one count of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms. This followed an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local law enforcement.
U.S. District Judge Susan M. Bazis handed down a sentence of 70 months' imprisonment to Ayala-Ramirez. Following his prison term, he will undergo three years of supervised release and face removal from the United States.
Mark Zito, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent in Charge, commented on the case: "This case is a stark reminder of why strong collaboration between federal and local law enforcement is non-negotiable." He emphasized that "a convicted felon and illegal alien in possession of firearms isn’t just breaking the law — he’s a direct threat to the people of Lincoln."
The incident began when a pickup truck was reported stolen from Denver International Airport on July 4, 2024. On July 6, an Ogallala police officer spotted the vehicle with three occupants: Michael Ayala-Ramirez as the driver, along with codefendants Pablo Escobar-Alas and Selvin Escobar-Rivera. A high-speed chase ensued through multiple counties until stop sticks were deployed near Deuel County.
Ayala-Ramirez and Escobar-Alas attempted to flee carrying bags containing firearms after abandoning their vehicle but were apprehended following another chase involving a stolen farmyard truck.
Escobar-Rivera fled on foot but was later arrested with another stolen firearm found at his location in the original vehicle.
All three defendants had previously been deported without legal permission to return to the United States. Cases against Pablo Escobar-Alas and Selvin Escobar-Rivera remain active.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including ICE HSI, Nebraska State Patrol, Deuel County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, and Denver Police Department.
