Metro-Atlanta Immigration Enforcement Operation Leads to Firearms Charges Against Five
A multi-agency immigration enforcement operation in the metro-Atlanta area this past week has resulted in firearms-related charges against five individuals. The coordinated investigations, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations (HSI/ERO), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with support from numerous local law enforcement partners, also led to the seizure of over a dozen firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation, stating, “Our office is proud to support our law enforcement partners in this effort and other enforcement initiatives to protect our communities and safeguard our national security. This initiative sends a strong message to those engaged in criminal activity, whether regarding immigration-related or firearms offenses, that the ongoing and determined coordinated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners will achieve measurable results in making our communities safer.”
The operation, conducted between March 24 and April 2, 2025, targeted individuals allegedly involved in firearms and other violations, including those unlawfully present in the United States. Investigations revealed that many of the seized firearms were believed to be destined for Mexico.
The following individuals have been charged:
- Lucio Hernandez Mora, 45, of Riverdale, GA: Charged with possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States. Authorities allegedly found two firearms belonging to Hernandez Mora during a search of his residence on April 1, 2025.
- Cameron Vick, 22, of Atlanta, GA: Indicted on nine counts of making a false statement to a firearms dealer in connection with the acquisition of firearms, including two belt-fed M249S rifles believed to be destined for Mexico. He was arrested on March 27, 2025.
- Bernice Macias Montes, 31, of Atlanta, GA: Charged with making a false statement to a firearms dealer in connection with the acquisition of firearms. Five firearms were seized from her residence on March 27, 2025.
- Teresa Gonzales-Hoppo, 56, of Lithia Springs, GA: Charged with possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States. A firearm allegedly belonging to Gonzales-Hoppo was located during a search of her residence on March 27, 2025.
- Carlos Sambrano, 28, of Rex, GA: Charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Seven firearms were found at his residence during a search on March 27, 2025.
The Acting U.S. Attorney reminded the public that the charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Numerous federal and local law enforcement agencies contributed to this operation, highlighting the collaborative effort to combat criminal activity and enhance community safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Northern District of Georgia provided valuable support for these operations.
