A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after being caught trying to smuggle firearms and suspected fentanyl from the United States into Mexico. The arrest took place in Arizona and followed a detailed investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Smuggling Attempt Caught at the Border
On June 25, 2024, authorities stopped Abel Airam Franco Garcia, a resident of Sonora, Mexico, at the San Luis, Arizona Port of Entry. During a vehicle inspection, border officers discovered four firearms, six ammunition magazines (including two high-capacity ones), and suspected fentanyl hidden in the vehicle.
Franco Garcia admitted that he had driven from Phoenix earlier that same day and was being paid to smuggle the firearms across the border into Mexico.
Federal Charges and Sentence
Franco Garcia pleaded guilty to the charge of smuggling goods from the United States. On April 7, 2025, he was sentenced to more than three years (specifically, 37 months) in federal prison. After completing his prison term, he will also serve three years of supervised release, meaning his actions will be monitored by authorities.
HSI’s Message on Public Safety
Francisco B. Burrola, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Arizona, stressed the serious danger that smuggling weapons to Mexico poses.
He said, “Firearms trafficking directly fuels transnational organized crime and puts both U.S. and Mexican communities at risk.” He added that law enforcement will continue to take strong action to stop illegal arms smuggling.
About Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case was part of a larger effort known as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This national program brings together law enforcement agencies and community members to reduce gun violence and make neighborhoods safer. The project supports violence-prevention efforts, community trust, and focused enforcement strategies.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Goldberg from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona.
This case highlights the serious consequences of arms trafficking across borders. Thanks to the cooperation between ICE, HSI, and other agencies, a dangerous smuggling attempt was stopped. The sentence shows that U.S. authorities are committed to reducing crime and protecting communities on both sides of the border. With programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods, the government continues to tackle violent crime and illegal weapon distribution at its roots.
