McALLEN, Texas — A Mexican citizen was sentenced for illegally exporting firearms from the United States into Mexico following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Elmer Espinoza-Ortega, 54, was sentenced Oct. 22 by U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton to 36 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release. Espinoza-Ortega pleaded guilty July 11. At the time of his plea, Espinoza-Ortega admitted he did not possess a license to export firearms or ammunition, he knew the firearms were in his vehicle, and he intended to transport the firearms into Mexico.
“By incarcerating this weapons smuggler, law enforcement disrupts the flow of firearms before they can be acquired by violent drug cartels that threaten us both domestically and internationally,” said HSI Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. “HSI will continue to collaborate with our federal law enforcement partners, both nationally and internationally, to stop these dangerous weapons from getting into the hands of criminal organizations.”
According to court documents, on May 26, Espinoza-Ortega attempted to exit the United States through the Anzalduas Port of Entry. Upon further inspection, law enforcement discovered a firearm magazine in Espinoza-Ortega’s pocket. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed four firearms and five firearm magazines concealed in the bumper of the vehicle.
Espinoza-Ortega remains in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.