Federal authorities have announced charges against four individuals for illegal possession of firearms and related offenses in New Mexico. The charges follow a series of law enforcement operations conducted across the state.
On February 25, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at an apartment in Albuquerque. Agents found a loaded pistol with an extended magazine containing 19 rounds of ammunition in one bedroom. A witness claimed the firearm belonged to Maikol Ramos, who was confirmed to be unlawfully present in the United States. Ramos, a Venezuelan citizen, faces charges for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
In another room, agents discovered another loaded pistol and ammunition under a bed. Antoni Herrera admitted ownership of the firearm and stated he received it as payment for a debt two weeks prior. Like Ramos, Herrera is also charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
On February 19, 2025, HSI executed another federal search warrant at Raul Esparza-Gonzalez's residence in Espanola. Eleven firearms were recovered from the location. Esparza-Gonzalez admitted to purchasing these firearms privately despite knowing it was illegal due to his immigration status. He revealed he had been deported previously and re-entered the U.S. illegally about six years ago. He is charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm.
A separate investigation initiated by HSI into Cristhian Ortega-Lopez began after receiving an anonymous tip in January 2025. Ortega-Lopez is suspected of affiliation with Tren de Aragua and was allegedly residing with other illegal aliens while possessing firearms in Las Cruces. Evidence from social media showed him at a shooting range with multiple firearms. Ortega-Lopez entered the U.S. illegally on December 15, 2023, and now faces charges similar to those against Ramos and Herrera.
All four men remain in custody pending trial; if convicted, they could each face up to 15 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso, announced these developments today.
The cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with support from various agencies including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, Albuquerque Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S Attorneys Timothy Trembley, Patrick Cordova, Maria Armijo, and Ry Ellison are handling prosecutions.