Five individuals in the Northern District of Georgia face federal charges following a multi-agency immigration enforcement operation in the Atlanta metro area. These operations, which occurred over the past week, were spearheaded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations. The initiative saw collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, alongside several local law enforcement agencies. Federal authorities also seized over a dozen firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during the action.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. stated, "Our office is proud to support our law enforcement partners in this effort and other enforcement initiatives to protect our communities and safeguard our national security." He emphasized the importance of such initiatives, noting, "This initiative sends a strong message to those engaged in criminal activity, whether regarding immigration-related or firearms offenses."
Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, Steven N. Schrank, highlighted HSI’s commitment, saying, "The successful enforcement actions taken during this multi-agency operation underscore HSI’s unwavering commitment to upholding immigration laws and targeting illegal aliens allegedly possessing and trafficking in firearms."
Support came from various federal entities, as noted by ATF’s Benjamin Gibbons: “The success of these investigative efforts could not be accomplished without cohesive partnerships, which keep our communities safe.”
The DEA's Jae W. Chung further commented on the efforts, stating, "The DEA, along with our law enforcement partners, are sending a clear message to the Mexican drug cartels and their criminal associates, that keeping our communities safe is our highest priority."
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, remarked on the collective law enforcement commitment: “FBI Atlanta is dedicated to supporting our federal partners in achieving our mutual objective of ensuring the safety of our communities.”
The operations from March 24 to April 2, 2025, led to the seizure of 13 firearms and revealed plans for these to be sent to Mexico. Charges filed in connection with the operations include the possession and trafficking of firearms, with individuals such as Lucio Hernandez Mora and Teresa Gonzales-Hoppo charged for unlawful firearm possession by illegal aliens. Arrests were made following detailed investigations led by multiple federal agencies.
Hernandez Mora appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker on April 1, 2025, and others involved, including Gonzales-Hoppo, appeared before Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins III. The public is reminded that Criminal Complaints and Indictments are merely charges, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia State Patrol and multiple county police departments, supported the investigations. These efforts are part of Operation Take Back America, aiming to combat illegal immigration and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
For further information, the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office can be reached at (404) 581-6280, or via their website at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.