An Ethiopian national, Milki Ibrahim, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for committing armed robbery at a Gulfport supermarket. The incident occurred on February 23, 2024, when Ibrahim entered the store, brandishing a black handgun and demanded, "Give me the money or I will shoot y’all right now," according to court documents. The store employee complied, handing over $1,200. Ibrahim allegedly threatened further violence should the store contact law enforcement.
Witnesses identified Ibrahim as the assailant. Evidence gathered included photos on Ibrahim's cellphone showing him in the clothes worn during the robbery, and the same clothing was found in his home, alongside a firearm matching the description given by witnesses.
In December 2024, Ibrahim pled guilty to the charges against him. The sentence was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, along with Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation involved the FBI and the Gulfport Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith leading the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative that combines the resources of the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations, protecting communities from violent crime.