An Egyptian national was sentenced on Apr. 16 to 18 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm after an incident at a Las Cruces gas station, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The case highlights the consequences of illegal firearm possession by non-citizens and underscores law enforcement efforts to address such offenses.
Court documents show that on May 12, 2025, Moustafa Mahmoud Abdelnabi Salem, age 29, threatened an individual by pulling a handgun, chambering a round, and pointing it at the victim during an altercation at a gas station. The victim then flagged down a Las Cruces Police Department officer and reported the assault. When questioned by police at the scene, Salem claimed that he had been assaulted with a large knife and denied pointing his gun at anyone. He also refused to allow officers access to his vehicle where the handgun was located.
Further investigation revealed that Salem had overstayed his visitor visa and was unlawfully present in the United States. Surveillance footage from the gas station reportedly showed Salem as the aggressor during the incident.
Salem pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. There is no parole in federal cases. Upon completion of his prison sentence, he will be subject to deportation proceedings.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the sentencing. The case was investigated by agents from multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations Las Cruces.
