Previously deported Mexican illegal alien faces possible life sentence following Rabun County arrest with gun and drugs

GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Jorge Martinez-Arellano, a/k/a Jorge DeLeon Garcia, an illegal alien from Mexico with a lengthy criminal history, faces federal charges after Rabun County deputies found a firearm and approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

"Despite having been deported numerous times, Martinez-Arellano allegedly returned to our country illegally and resumed trafficking drugs," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "His alleged conduct posed grave danger to the public and demonstrated utter contempt for our laws. Thankfully, strong partnerships between federal and local law enforcement led to the apprehension of a career criminal and confiscation of his poison."

"Removing dangerous criminals from our communities is at the heart of Homeland Security Investigations' mission. The arrest of Martinez-Arellano, an illegal alien with a history of violent crime and drug trafficking, demonstrates our commitment to protecting our community from the threat of drugs and gun violence," said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. "Working alongside our local and federal partners, HSI will continue to pursue those who endanger our communities and ensure they are held accountable under the law."

"This traffic stop identified a repeat offender and an illegal alien in possession of drugs and a firearm, posing a clear danger to our community," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd. "ATF and our law enforcement partners will remain focused on stopping those who endanger our communities and keeping them safe."

"I'm proud of the way our deputies handled this stop and stayed alert. What started as a traffic stop turned into taking drugs, a gun, and a repeat offender off our streets. I also want to thank our federal partners for their support and teamwork on this case. This is the kind of work we're doing every day to keep Rabun County safe," said Rabun County Sheriff Mark Gerrells.

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the indictment, and other information presented in court: On November 30, 2025, the Rabun County, Georgia, Sheriff's Office stopped a truck for speeding. Deputies quickly discovered that the driver, Jorge Martinez-Arellano, was an illegal alien from Mexico. A search of the truck revealed a semiautomatic pistol and approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine.

Martinez-Arellano has a criminal history that includes convictions for drug trafficking, assault with a deadly weapon, and reentering the United States unlawfully. His alleged possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking expose him a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and the possibility of life imprisonment. Martinez-Arellano is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and, for at least the fourth time, illegal reentry.

Jorge Martinez-Arellano, a/k/a Jorge DeLeon Garcia, 53, of Jalisco, Mexico, was indicted on March 24, 2026. He appeared in federal court on April 22, 2026, and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service without bail.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Rabun County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen is prosecuting 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 immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.