PHOENIX – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona has charged 565 individuals with immigration-related crimes following a two-week enforcement operation from January 21 through February 3, 2025. These cases involve individuals engaged in smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal reentry, and were supported by multiple federal law enforcement agencies, including ICE, Border Patrol, DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and ATF.
Federal authorities have prioritized prosecuting criminal aliens with serious records, individuals engaged in drug and firearms trafficking, and those violating final orders of removal. The effort aims to protect public safety and prevent criminal organizations from operating in the United States.
Notable Cases
United States v. Edwin Santiago Marquez Flores
Marquez Flores was under HSI surveillance for suspected human smuggling via social media. During a January 27 traffic stop, officers found two AK-47-style rifles and $1,400 in cash in his vehicle. He later admitted to:
- Illegally possessing firearms for smuggling into Mexico
- Selling 50 firearms, including 40 to a known smuggler
- Transporting and selling cocaine
- Coordinating 300 drivers to smuggle 800-1,000 undocumented immigrants
- Earning over $1.2 million from smuggling operations
Marquez Flores was charged with Alien in Possession of a Firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(5).
United States v. Jason Kyle Dunn
On January 31, Border Patrol officers at an I-19 immigration checkpoint discovered six undocumented individualslocked inside toolboxes in the bed of a Ford F-550 driven by Dunn. The individuals, trapped inside for up to two hours, had no way to escape.
Dunn, a U.S. citizen, was charged with Alien Smuggling under 8 U.S.C. § 1324.
United States v. Alfonso Garcia Vega
On February 2, ICE officers arrested Garcia Vega, a Mexican national with prior felony convictions, for illegal reentry after deportation in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). His record includes:
- DUIs
- Assault
- Drug trafficking
- Weapons offenses
Previously deported in 2020, Garcia Vega attempted to illegally purchase a firearm but was denied. When ICE officers attempted to arrest him, he fled into his residence, prompting authorities to obtain an arrest warrant.
Ongoing Federal Efforts
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal and local law enforcement, remains committed to aggressively prosecuting criminal aliens and individuals involved in human smuggling and trafficking.
