Mexico Resident Sentenced for Possession of Firearm by Illegal Alien

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Mexico pleaded guilty and has been sentenced in federal court to time served on his conviction of unlawfully possessing a firearm as an illegal alien, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Ignacio Xalamihua-Salinas, 30.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about September 25, 2025, in connection with an ongoing investigation, law enforcement encountered Xalamihua-Salinas and searched the vehicle that he was operating. During the search, officers located a revolver, which Xalamihua-Salinas admitted to possessing. Because Xalamihua-Salinas was illegally and unlawfully in the United States, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

In connection with his guilty plea, Xalamihua-Salinas agreed to cooperate with immigration authorities and will remain in custody until he is deported from the United States pursuant to an Immigration Judge's Order of Deportation.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics and Vice Unit for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Xalamihua-Salinas.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.