Federal authorities have charged two residents of Alabama with trafficking hundreds of firearms, following what is considered the largest weapons seizure on the Southwest border. Over 500 guns, reportedly intended for Mexican drug cartels, were found hidden inside a trailer constructed with a fake wall at the Juarez Lincoln Port of Entry in Laredo, Texas. Officials allege that the two planned to smuggle these weapons into Mexico for a drug cartel.
Emilio Ramirez Cortez, 48, a Mexican national residing legally in the U.S., along with his son, Edgar Emilio Ramirez Diaz, were indicted on October 23 for attempting to smuggle firearms into Mexico. They were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents after authorities discovered guns, ammunition, and related items concealed in the walls of their trailer while they were crossing the border into Mexico.
The two made their initial court appearances in Laredo, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, and will remain detained until a further hearing.
Both face charges of smuggling firearms, ammunition, magazines, and other related accessories.
Attorney General Pam Bondi remarked on the arrests, stating that halting the illegal movement of weapons into Mexico is crucial for dismantling cartels. She emphasized that this significant seizure reflects their dedication to safeguarding the American public from violent cartel activities.
On the same day, two vehicles were observed traveling side by side as they approached the Juarez Lincoln Port of Entry, as per court documents. The criminal complaint indicates that Ramirez-Diaz was operating a Chevrolet Tahoe with Alabama plates, while his father was driving a Chevrolet Silverado with Mexican plates. Both vehicles were towing a white box utility trailer.
The complaint alleges that false walls were present in both trailers. Upon inspection, over 300 rifles and pistols, along with various ammunition and magazines, were uncovered. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the situation on social media, labeling it as “the largest arms seizure on the Southwest land border,” stating that the total firearms confiscated exceeded 500.
According to court documents, the men engaged in smuggling weapons and associated items for monetary compensation on several occasions.
The investigation involved agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling.
The Justice Department noted that this incident is part of “Operation Retake America,” a national initiative aimed at utilizing Department of Justice resources to combat illegal immigration, eradicate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime.
