Publisher’s Note: The following information was provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Western District of Texas.
DEL RIO — A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court in Del Rio to 180 months in prison and fined $15,000 for conspiracy to traffic firearms, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons announced.
According to court documents, Jose De La Cruz-Cardoza, 52, of Piedras Negras, made a negative declaration for firearms, ammunition or currency over $10,000 during an outbound inspection at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on July 12, 2025.
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection search of his vehicle revealed eight handguns and 19 magazines.
Investigators said Cruz-Cardoza admitted he would be paid between $150 and $200 for each firearm he smuggled into Mexico. He also told authorities he had smuggled firearms into Mexico on approximately 10 to 12 previous occasions.
Cruz-Cardoza pleaded guilty in September to one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms.
On July 16, 2025, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the San Antonio Police Department and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, executed a search warrant at the San Antonio residence of co-conspirator Reymundo Hernandez-Nino.
Authorities recovered 24 firearms at the residence, including handguns, AR-15-style rifles and a shotgun. Investigators also seized more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition and multiple sets of body armor.
Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, ATF determined the weapons, ammunition and accessories were intended for a Mexican drug cartel.
“My office remains committed to prosecuting the most serious criminal conspiracies, particularly those benefiting Mexican drug cartels,” Simmons said. “Great things happen when aggressive prosecutors are combined with federal law enforcement agencies determined to disrupt and ultimately dismantle criminal organizations without concern for which agency ultimately gets the credit. This case is the model for how a Homeland Security Task Force should work.”
“The illegal trafficking of firearms to Mexico directly fuels cartel violence and threatens the safety of communities on both sides of the border,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel. “ATF remains committed to working with our federal, state, local and international partners to identify and disrupt firearms trafficking networks and hold those responsible accountable.”
Co-defendant Francisco Cardoza Jr. pleaded guilty in October to one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms and is scheduled to be sentenced April 23.
Edgar Josue Montelongo-Loera pleaded guilty to the same charge Feb. 23 and is awaiting sentencing.
Hernandez-Nino and Kenia Lizbeth Montelongo both pleaded guilty Feb. 26 to two counts each and are also awaiting sentencing.
ATF and ICE investigated the case with assistance from state and local partners. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner is prosecuting the case.
