PHOENIX — The owner of a Valley taco restaurant chain has pleaded guilty to federal firearms and immigration-related charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced Thursday.
Blademir Angulo Audeves, 42, a citizen of Mexico, admitted to illegally possessing three firearms and to knowingly hiring at least 12 unauthorized workers at his restaurants in the Phoenix area. He entered his guilty plea on August 20, and sentencing is set for October 28, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Diane Humetewa.
Unauthorized employment at Valley restaurants
Court records show Audeves owned and operated El Taqueria El Taco Loko LLC, which included a brick-and-mortar location and two mobile restaurants. Federal prosecutors said he knowingly hired employees who were not legally authorized to work in the United States.
Firearms possession charge
In addition, Audeves admitted to knowingly possessing firearms and ammunition in July 2025, despite being prohibited from doing so due to his immigration status.
Potential penalties
Alien in Possession of a Firearm: Up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Knowingly Employing Unauthorized Aliens: Up to six months in prison and $3,000 fine per violation.
Federal crackdown effort
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, a Justice Department initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, cartel-linked crime, and unauthorized firearms possession. The program combines resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with prosecution handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Phoenix.
