Mexican national sentenced for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas

BEAUMONT, Texas -A Mexican national illegally in the United States has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Alberto Saenz-DeLaCruz, 33, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 4, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on December 8, 2025, Saenz-DeLaCruz was stopped for a traffic violation in Lufkin. During the stop, Saenz-DeLaCruz provided a Mexican passport for identification, but did not provide a driver license. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a firearm and drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed Saenz-DeLaCruz was a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported from the United States and did not have permission to return to the United States. As a prohibited person, Saenz-DeLaCruz cannot legally possess firearms in the United States.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice's nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys' offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department's commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump's Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Department of Homeland Security. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.

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