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May 6, 2020San Antonio, TX, United StatesFirearms, Ammunition and Explosives

Washington State man arrested for attempting to smuggle firearms into Mexico through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry

SAN ANTONIO — A Washington State man was charged in federal court Wednesday for attempting to smuggle numerous firearms, ammunition, gun magazines and other gun parts into the Republic of Mexico.

This case is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Eagle Pass Office with assistance from the U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Office Director.

Michael Diaz-Calderon, 51, from Washington State, was charged May 6, 2020, by a U.S. District Judge.

According to the criminal complaint, CBP officers arrested Diaz-Calderon Tuesday afternoon at the Eagle Pass International Bridge #2 while trying to export 27 handguns, 12 rifles, over 10,000 rounds of ammunition, 70 gun magazines and an assortment of other gun parts concealed inside his truck.  Authorities also seized $5,000 in U.S. currency. The complaint further alleges that Diaz-Calderon told investigators that he was expecting to be paid another $5,000 upon delivery of the contraband.

If convicted, Diaz-Calderon faces up to ten years in federal prison. He remains in custody.  

HSI also received assistance from the Eagle Pass Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit and the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office during the enforcement action.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kennedy, Western District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence and a defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

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