Illegal alien sentenced for federal firearm possession following drug discovery

LAREDO, Texas - A 38-year-old illegal alien from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Ivan Gerardo Castillo-Castro pleaded guilty Jan. 29.

U.S. District Judge John Kazen ordered Castillo-Castro to serve 33 months in federal prison. As an illegal alien, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing Sept. 1, the court heard additional evidence about Castillo-Castro's criminal history, including prior convictions for assault and illegal reentry. The court also heard that while awaiting sentencing, Castillo-Castro participated in a gang-style assault on other inmates. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Castillo-Castro's history of events to include where Castillo-Castro assaulted a domestic partner, a juvenile, and a police officer who attempted to place Castillo-Castro under arrest.

On Aug. 3, 2025, during a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered 22 grams of cocaine and a digital scale.

A subsequent search of Castillo-Castro's residence revealed a TEC-DC9 semiautomatic firearm capable of accepting a large-capacity magazine, fraudulent legal documents, and copies of a Social Security card belonging to another person.

Castillo-Castro further admitted to selling another firearm. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Laredo Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and The Geo Group. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tae W. Chon prosecuted the case.

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 immigrants, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.