McALLEN, TEXAS – A brazen attempt to arm Mexican cartels has landed a Guadalajara man in federal prison. Jose De Jesus Pena Dieguez, 68, was sentenced to 24 months behind bars after pleading guilty to smuggling firearms and ammunition across the border, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced today.
The scheme unraveled January 11th at the Progreso Port of Entry. Customs and Border Protection officers grew suspicious of Dieguez’s Nissan Xterra, noticing tampered screws on a compartment attached to the vehicle’s roof rack. An x-ray confirmed their suspicions – something wasn’t right. A thorough search revealed a hidden cache containing 16 firearms, 31 firearm magazines, assorted parts, and a staggering 800 rounds of ammunition. This wasn’t a first-time offense, either. Evidence presented in court showed Dieguez had previously exported firearms to Mexico on multiple occasions.
Dieguez readily admitted to purchasing the weapons with the intent to illegally transport them south of the border. The court heard no explanation for who he intended to arm, leaving investigators to connect the dots to potential cartel activity. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane didn’t show leniency, ordering the 24-month prison sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Dieguez remains in custody awaiting transfer to a Bureau of Prisons facility.
The bust was the result of a coordinated effort by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These agencies are increasingly focused on disrupting the flow of illegal weapons into Mexico, recognizing the devastating impact they have on both sides of the border. This case underscores the constant threat posed by individuals willing to profit from violence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has made gun violence a top priority, and PSN is central to that effort. The program focuses on fostering community trust, supporting violence prevention groups, strategic enforcement, and measurable results – a shift from simply racking up arrests to truly reducing bloodshed.
While 24 months may seem a light sentence for such a serious offense, federal prosecutors hope it sends a clear message to others considering similar schemes: smuggling firearms to Mexico carries significant consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to track this case and report on any further developments, and will continue to shine a light on the dark underbelly of border crime.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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