A black and white photograph showing a person's hand gripping the handle of a handgun that is tucked into the back pocket of their jeans.

A black and white photo showing a person with a handgun concealed in the back pocket of their jeans, representing the concept of unlawful firearm possession. By Miami Daily Life / MiamiDaily.Life.

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Illegal Firearm Possession: How President Donald Trump’s Promise Led to a 15-Year Prison Sentence for a Mexican National

Mexican national pleaded guilty to firearm possession while illegally in the U.S. Faces 15 years.

byEditorial Staff

September 24, 2025, 10:05 AM

Executive Summary

Mexican national Teodoro Rodriguez-Alvarez pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm while illegally present in the United States.

The plea follows an incident on July 15, 2025, in Florida, where a pistol was discovered in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin emphasized his office’s commitment to prosecuting such offenders, fulfilling a promise made by President Donald Trump, with Rodriguez-Alvarez facing up to 15 years in federal prison.

Laws and Precedent

The defendant pleaded guilty to the federal charge of possession of a firearm while illegally present in the United States, a violation of federal law that carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release, consistent with federal sentencing guidelines for such offenses.

A Mexican national, Teodoro Rodriguez-Alvarez, 34, has pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm while illegally present in the United States. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, following an incident where a pistol was discovered in his vehicle during a traffic stop last year.

Official Statement and Policy

United States Attorney Heekin emphasized his office’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who violate federal laws while in the country illegally. “This criminal alien has brazenly and repeatedly violated our laws while illegally present in our country,” Heekin stated.

Heekin also highlighted the collaborative work of local law enforcement partners and Homeland Security Investigations in addressing such cases. He reiterated his office’s dedication to fulfilling a promise made by President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent.

Details of the Incident

The charges against Rodriguez-Alvarez stem from an incident on July 15, 2025, when a Gulf Breeze Police Department officer responded to a report of a pickup truck stopped in the emergency lane of the Pensacola Bay Bridge. The officer identified Rodriguez-Alvarez as the sole occupant using his Mexican passport.

Following a discussion, law enforcement arrested Rodriguez-Alvarez for multiple driving offenses. During a standard vehicle inventory conducted before the truck was towed, officers discovered a pistol in a bag located near the driver’s seat. It was subsequently confirmed that Rodriguez-Alvarez is a citizen of Mexico and was illegally present in the United States at the time of his arrest.

Legal Consequences and Investigation

Rodriguez-Alvarez now faces significant legal consequences, including a potential sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison. He also faces three years of supervised release following any period of imprisonment.

The investigation into this case was a collaborative effort involving the Gulf Breeze Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp is prosecuting the case for the government.

Summary

The guilty plea by Teodoro Rodriguez-Alvarez underscores ongoing efforts by federal authorities in the Northern District of Florida to enforce immigration and firearm laws. This case highlights the judicial system’s response to individuals found in illegal possession of firearms while unlawfully present in the U.S.