Illegal alien sentenced for firearm possession after visa overstay in Houston

HOUSTON - A 25-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm.

Erik Guadalupe Ibarra Venegas pleaded guilty June 5.

U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now ordered Venegas to serve 16 months in federal prison and a $100 special assessment. As an illegal alien, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

Oct. 28, 2025, law enforcement responded to a report of a suspicious man pushing two bicycles and carrying tools in a cul-de-sac. Authorities found Venegas walking in the middle of the road obstructing traffic.

During the police encounter, the defendant was asked if he had any firearms. Venegas showed the officer a 5.56 caliber pistol that was on his person.

Venegas had no identification and provided a fake name, but fingerprint analysis later confirmed his identity.

The investigation revealed Venegas had overstayed his visa and was unlawfully present in the United States. As a result, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Hedwig Village Police Department, ICE - Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith and AUSA Byron Black prosecuted the case.

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