Operation Lone Star Seizes Weapons from Human Smuggling Ring, Four Arrested in El Paso
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Agents from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) assigned to Operation Lone Star have seized weapons, body armor and ammunition from a human smuggling ring believed to have ties to cartel.
It began in October, when CID Special Agents first identified a human smuggling organization with ties to the Nuevo Cartel De Juarez and La Linea Cartel operating out of El Paso County, Tex, and Sunland Park, N.M. A DPS Highway Patrol Trooper then made a traffic stop and discovered a short barrel firearm in the possession of someone believed to be providing security for the human smuggling operation. DPS Special Agents and Highway Patrol Troopers worked with the United States Border Patrol and through extensive investigative efforts identified other members of the smuggling ring. These efforts included locating photos on social media of the individuals heavily armed and in cartel attire paying tribute to La Linea Cartel. DPS Special Agents executed a search warrant in El Paso revealing a cache of weapons and ammunition.
The follow up investigation included the New Mexico State Police, Homeland Security Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and additional search warrants were executed in New Mexico. As a result of this extensive investigation and collaboration, authorities seized 10 firearms, body armor and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Lorena Anyla Enrique Acosta, 28, of Mexico; Adam Isaiah Ramirez, 27, of New Mexico; Gustavo Alexis Enriquez Acosta, 23, of New Mexico; and Edmundo Rodriguez Padilla, 24, of Mexico, have all been arrested and charged with numerous state and federal charges including possession of a prohibited weapon, human smuggling, alien in possession of firearm and conspiracy to transport and harbor. Additionally, Enriquez Acosta has no legal documentation to be in the country and had previously been employed as a state police officer in Mexico. The investigation is ongoing at this time. No additional information is available.
This case, and the resulting seizure, illustrates the strength of collaboration between law enforcement in order to combat gun violence in the community. DPS is asking the public to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity. To report suspicious activity in the El Paso area, please contact El Paso Crimestoppers at (915) 566-8477.
