Illegal alien sentenced for gun possession in the Eastern District of Texas (DOJ)

BEAUMONT, Texas -An illegal alien has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Freddie Castillo, 36, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 9, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on August 2, 2025, Castillo, a national of Belize illegally living in Houston was stopped by law enforcement in Trinity County. During the stop, Castillo provided the officer with a Belize passport, Belize driver's license, and Belize consular identification card and informed the officer that he was in the United States on an expired visa. Castillo admitted to possessing a shotgun and rifle which were in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Castillo was issued a visa in 2000, which expired in 2010, and he had not applied for permission to extend the visa or remain in the United States.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Department of Homeland Security. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.

##