Five individuals in the Northern District of Georgia face federal firearm charges following a collaborative immigration enforcement operation spanning several agencies in the Atlanta metro area. This initiative was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations, alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Local authorities also assisted in these operations, resulting in the seizure of over a dozen firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. stated, "Our office is proud to support our law enforcement partners in this effort and other enforcement initiatives to protect our communities and safeguard our national security. This initiative sends a strong message to those engaged in criminal activity."
Steven N. Schrank, special agent at HSI Atlanta, emphasized the sustained commitment toward adhering to immigration laws: "By leveraging our partnerships and resources, we are identifying and apprehending those who exploit our immigration system to engage in criminal activities that threaten public safety and national security."
"ATF along with our federal law enforcement partners will utilize all resources," commented Benjamin Gibbons, Special Agent in Charge at ATF, highlighting the necessity of cohesive partnerships.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the DEA Atlanta Division said, "The DEA, along with our law enforcement partners, are sending a clear message to the Mexican drug cartels and their criminal associates, that keeping our communities safe is our highest priority."
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, remarked on the operation's success: "This case clearly illustrates the success that can be achieved when federal agencies unite their resources and expertise to combat violent criminals."
The enforcement operations from March 24 to April 2, 2025, targeted individuals accused of firearms violations, including some unlawfully present in the U.S. Investigations unveiled that many seized firearms were bound for Mexico.
Among the charged individuals are:
- Lucio Hernandez Mora, 45, from Riverdale, GA, charged with firearm possession as an unlawfully present alien.
- Cameron Vick, 22, from Atlanta, GA, indicted for making false statements to acquire firearms.
- Bernice Macias Montes, 31, from Atlanta, GA, charged with false statements in firearm acquisition.
- Teresa Gonzales-Hoppo, 56, from Lithia Springs, GA, charged with firearm possession as an unlawfully present alien.
- Carlos Sambrano, 28, from Rex, GA, charged with unlawful firearm possession by a convicted felon.
Hernandez Mora and others made their initial court appearances between March 27 and April 1, 2025. The charges are pending, with the government tasked with proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Investigations were conducted by ATF, DEA, ICE HSI and ERO, and FBI, along with local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys assisted the operations under the Operation Take Back America initiative. This initiative aims to combat illegal immigration, eradicate cartels, and protect communities from violent crime.
The Atlanta Strike Force, targeting organized crime and drug trafficking in the Atlanta metropolitan area, comprises agents from multiple federal and local agencies. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia leads prosecutions.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The official website is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.