U.S. Authorities Halt Massive Arms and Ammunition Smuggling Operation to Mexico

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HARLINGEN, Texas (Border Report) — In a significant operation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials have intercepted a considerable cache of weapons at two critical South Texas border crossings, foiling attempts to smuggle them into Mexico.

Guns and ammo were seized Dec. 21, 2025, from a van and trailer at the Del Rio International Bridge in South Texas. (Photo Courtesy CBP)

On a recent Sunday, authorities in Del Rio reported the confiscation of three firearms, nine magazines, and an astonishing 1,389 rounds of ammunition. These were discovered in a vehicle attempting to cross the Del Rio International Bridge into Ciudad Acuña, Mexico.

The cache was concealed within a 2016 passenger van towing a utility trailer, according to the border agents.

Del Rio Port Director Liliana Flores underscored the significance of the seizure, stating, “Every weapon and round of ammunition seized represents a potential threat neutralized. As this seizure illustrates, we will continue to leverage every resource to deter and disrupt illegal activities that threaten public safety.”

Laredo firearms smuggling plea

A father and son living in Alabama pleaded guilty in Laredo, Texas, to attempting to traffick over 500 weapons and a cache of ammunition over the border.

Emilio Ramirez Cortes, 48, a Mexican citizen who legally resides in Albertville, Alabama, and his son, Edgar Emilio Ramirez Diaz, 23, also of Albertville, have now admitted to smuggling of goods from the United States and trafficking firearms, U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei announced.

Both were arrested Oct. 23 in separate vehicles at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge as they were attempting to drive an SUV and pickup into Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Both vehicles were hauling white box utility trailers, where upon further inspection agents found false walls inside both trailers, Ganjei says.

A total of 534 firearms, 31,482 rounds of ammunition, 535 magazines, 40 scopes, four lasers and 10 rifle slings were confiscated, Ganjei says.

As part of their pleas, the men admitted they were smuggling the weapons and accessories. They also acknowledged they had done so on multiple occasions.

Both men face up to 15 years for trafficking firearms as well as another 10 years for smuggling of goods from the United States. Both convictions carry as possible punishment a $250,000 maximum fine.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.