Austin Man Arrested for Attempted Firearm Smuggling into Mexico

News Summary

Victor Hugo Diego-Avellaneda, 39, was arrested at Eagle Pass Port of Entry for attempting to smuggle firearms into Mexico. A secondary inspection revealed 40 rifles, 6 shotguns, and more, raising serious safety concerns. He could face up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.

Austin Man Arrested for Attempted Firearm Smuggling into Mexico

In a surprising twist of events, an Austin man finds himself in hot water after allegedly trying to smuggle firearms into Mexico. The man, identified as Victor Hugo Diego-Avellaneda, aged 39, was taken into custody on January 19, 2025, at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry. He was on the verge of crossing the border when the authorities made their discovery.

The Arrest

As Diego-Avellaneda approached border officials, he initially maintained that he was not carrying any weapons, ammunition, or even currency. This claim, however, led to a secondary inspection where the situation took a dramatic turn. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducted a thorough check, which revealed a shocking stash hidden away in two duffle bags.

What Was Found?

To the astonishment of the officers, they uncovered a total of:

• 40 rifles
• 6 shotguns
• 1 pistol
• 80 magazines
• 2 rifle scopes

This extensive collection of firearms raises serious concerns regarding safety and security, especially in light of ongoing issues related to gun smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Claims Behind the Smuggling

During questioning, Diego-Avellaneda allegedly admitted that he was set to receive a payment of $100 for each firearm he successfully smuggled into Mexico. Moreover, he insisted that 11 of the firearms found in his possession were indeed his own.

The Legal Fallout

Diego-Avellaneda now faces serious legal repercussions, with a charge of smuggling goods out of the United States hanging over his head. If the federal court finds him guilty, he could be looking at a potential maximum sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. The investigation is being conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations office, which is a crucial player in tackling smuggling and trafficking operations.

What Happens Next?

The case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Joshua Garland and Katherine Gorski, who will be navigating the prosecution side of things. As it stands, the future is uncertain for Diego-Avellaneda as a federal district court judge will soon determine the next steps and potential sentence.

Broader Context

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities associated with firearm smuggling, especially in border regions like Eagle Pass. The U.S.-Mexico border has long been a focal point for illicit trafficking, and authorities are continuously working to curb these alarming trends.

As the legal process unfolds, many will be keeping a close eye on this case, eager to see what the final verdict will be for Diego-Avellaneda and what this means for border security protocols in the future. It’ll be interesting to see how authorities manage these growing issues of smuggling and the larger implications on both sides of the border.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Austin Man Faces Serious Charges for Smuggling Firearms into Mexico
Justice Served in Austin: Canadian Smuggler Sentenced

Additional Resources

• KXAN News
• Wikipedia: Firearm Smuggling
• FOX 7 Austin
• Google Search: Austin man smuggling firearms into Mexico
• CBS Austin
• Google Scholar: Border Firearm Smuggling
• KVUE News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun smuggling across US-Mexico border
• Border Report
• Google News: Firearm Smuggling Texas Mexico 2025