NEW ORLEANS – Jhosmy Josue Perez-Alvarez, a 24-year-old Honduran national, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced for possessing a loaded weapon while illegally present in the United States. U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey handed down a 20-month sentence on August 26, 2025, followed by two years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.
The case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit, stems from an arrest on January 2, 2025. Authorities discovered Perez-Alvarez in possession of a Glock nine-millimeter handgun. Court documents confirm he was unlawfully in the country at the time and, therefore, prohibited from owning a firearm under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8).
Perez-Alvarez readily admitted his illegal status and the resulting firearm prohibition. This isn’t simply a gun charge; it’s a direct consequence of border security failures and the unchecked flow of individuals into the country who pose a risk to public safety. While the sentence offers some measure of justice, it’s a reactive measure, not a preventative one.
Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson framed the case within the broader context of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative aiming to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, and curb violent crime. The operation utilizes resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) – a clear signal that federal agencies are attempting to consolidate efforts, however belatedly.
Following completion of his prison term, Perez-Alvarez will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation back to Honduras. This outcome, while predictable, highlights the cyclical nature of these cases: arrest, conviction, imprisonment, and ultimately, repatriation. The question remains whether this cycle effectively addresses the root causes of the problem.
Simpson praised the collaborative work of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) in investigating the matter. However, the real story isn’t just about one gun and one illegal alien. It’s about a porous border, a strained justice system, and a nation grappling with the consequences of unchecked immigration. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and expose the harsh realities of crime on the streets of America.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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