Jose Ismael Ramirez-Gonzalez, Illegal Possession of a Firearm, Louisiana 2024

SHREVEPORT, LA – In a shocking turn of events, a federal jury in Shreveport has returned a guilty verdict against Jose Ismael Ramirez-Gonzalez, 37, of Mexico for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and illegal re-entry into the United States after being removed.

The conviction comes after a confrontation on August 4, 2024, in the 400 block of Commerce Street in downtown Shreveport, where Ramirez-Gonzalez was found to be in possession of a loaded Ruger pistol. The weapon was pointed at a woman over an apparent dispute about parking, prompting a 911 call to the Shreveport police department.

Ramirez-Gonzalez, who was intoxicated at the time, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and having no driver’s license. However, the severity of the situation escalated when it was discovered that Ramirez-Gonzalez is a citizen of Mexico and had been deported on six prior occasions between 2008 and 2018.

United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook praised the work of law enforcement partners, stating, “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safe for all of our citizens. This conviction should send a clear message that anyone in the United States illegally who chooses to violate our laws will be prosecuted to the maximum extent.”

Ramirez-Gonzalez faces a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms conviction, as well as up to two years in prison for illegally re-entering the United States.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Enforcement & Removal Operations), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Shreveport Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Cheyenne Y. Wilson and Allison L. Duncan prosecuted the case.

ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson emphasized the importance of keeping guns out of the hands of criminals, stating, “Getting guns out of the hands of criminals is an essential element of the fight against violent crime and securing our neighborhoods. The sentence imposed today sends a message to the community that illegal aliens possessing firearms will be held accountable as we work to keep our neighborhoods safe as a top priority to ensure public safety for ATF.”

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