Mexican national sentenced to 84 months in federal prison after investigation uncovered cross border firearms trafficking plot
Del Rio, Texas – In a federal case tied to cross-border weapons trafficking, a Mexican national has been sentenced to prison after investigators uncovered a scheme that moved dozens of firearms from the United States into Mexico. Federal prosecutors said the operation relied on several individuals who purchased weapons at retail stores in Texas before the guns were secretly transported across the international border.
Martin Edgar Garza Pacheco, 42, of Melchor Muzquiz, Coahuila, Mexico, received a sentence of 84 months in federal prison after being convicted in a court in Del Rio. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons, following the conclusion of the federal case.
According to court records, Garza Pacheco was connected to a conspiracy that involved the illegal purchase and movement of firearms. Investigators said the group worked together to acquire weapons in Texas and then smuggle them into Mexico.
Investigation Revealed Firearms Trafficking Scheme
Authorities said the investigation began after law enforcement agencies began tracking the illegal movement of firearms from the United States across the southern border. Officials later identified Garza Pacheco as a key figure in the operation.
Court documents showed that Garza Pacheco relied on two associates to help obtain the firearms. Those individuals were identified as Shiddartha Salinas Avila and Victor Ulysses Ybarra-Daniels. Prosecutors said the two men purchased firearms from several retail stores located in the San Antonio area.
In total, investigators determined that 36 firearms were bought as part of the conspiracy.
Once the weapons were purchased, Garza Pacheco allegedly handled the transportation process. Officials said he would travel from Mexico into Texas through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, drive to San Antonio to collect the weapons, and then hide the firearms in his vehicle before returning across the border into Mexico.
The scheme continued until authorities eventually identified the activity and moved to stop it.
Garza Pacheco was arrested on April 22, 2023, at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry as part of the ongoing investigation. Federal prosecutors later charged him with one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms.
After the case moved through the federal court system, Garza Pacheco chose to plead guilty to the charge. Court records show that he entered his guilty plea on Aug. 21, 2023.
Co-Conspirators Also Received Prison Sentences
The federal case also resulted in prison sentences for the other individuals who took part in the operation.
Victor Ulysses Ybarra-Daniels was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison on Oct. 8. Shiddartha Salinas Avila later received a 42-month prison sentence on Nov. 3, 2025.
The case was presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses, who issued the sentences following the guilty pleas and review of the evidence.
Multiple federal agencies participated in the investigation that ultimately led to the convictions. Authorities said the case involved cooperation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Federal prosecutors Nallely Duarte and Daisy Gonzalez, who serve as Assistant U.S. Attorneys, handled the prosecution of the case.
Officials noted that the case is part of a broader nationwide effort known as Operation Take Back America. The initiative was created to direct federal resources toward addressing violent crime, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and stopping illegal activity connected to cross-border operations.
Authorities said efforts like these are intended to strengthen border security and reduce the flow of weapons that can be used in violent crimes connected to organized criminal groups.
