Illegal Alien from Mexico Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offense

Memphis, TN - A federal judge sentenced Juan Sanchez-Palacios, 32, an illegal alien from Mexico, to 60 months and one day in prison for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

On November 12, 2025, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers in Memphis performed a traffic stop for suspected DUI and encountered Sanchez-Palacios, the driver of the vehicle. After observing a strong odor of marijuana while speaking with Sanchez-Palacios, troopers searched the vehicle and discovered multiple bags of marijuana, scales, a grinder, plastic baggies, a large amount of cash, and a loaded pistol.

On August 20, 2026, United States District Court Chief Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Sanchez-Palacios to 60 months and one day in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

Federal immigration officers determined that Sanchez-Palacios had been illegally present in the United States since 2022. Sanchez-Palacios will be remanded to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal from the United States following his federal prison sentence.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal aliens not only threaten the sovereignty of our nation but also threaten the safety of our communities. This case demonstrates our focus on those dangerous criminal aliens who continue to violate our laws after illegal entry."

"HSI is committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to eliminate crime and dangerous drugs from our communities," said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. "This sentence reflects that commitment and holds the defendant accountable for his actions."

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force operation.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Clinton Crosier, of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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