Six-Time Deported Man Found Guilty in Louisiana Firearms Case

SHREVEPORT, La. (KPEL News) – A Mexican national who had previously been deported six times has been convicted in Louisiana federal court for illegally possessing a firearm and re-entering the United States, following a 2024 incident in downtown Shreveport.

On Wednesday, a federal jury in Shreveport found Jose Ismael Ramirez-Gonzalez, 37, guilty after less than an hour of deliberation. The verdict was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook of the Western District of Louisiana.

According to trial evidence, on August 4, 2024, officers with the Shreveport Police Department responded to a 911 call on Commerce Street involving an armed man. Officers identified Ramirez-Gonzalez, who was reportedly intoxicated, and had pointed a loaded Ruger pistol at a woman during a parking dispute.

Officers arrested him at the scene for driving under the influence and not having a driver’s license. Upon further investigation, it was confirmed that Ramirez-Gonzalez was illegally present in the United States after being deported six times between 2008 and 2018.

“This conviction should send a clear message that anyone in the United States illegally who chooses to violate our laws will be prosecuted to the maximum extent,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Van Hook.

Ramirez-Gonzalez now faces up to:

15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for the firearm conviction
Up to 2 additional years for illegal re-entry

ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson emphasized the importance of the conviction in fighting violent crime in Louisiana communities:

“The sentence imposed today sends a message... that illegal aliens possessing firearms will be held accountable as we work to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Shreveport Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cheyenne Y. Wilson and Allison L. Duncan.

The sentencing date has not yet been announced.

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Gallery Credit: Joe Cunningham