Undocumented Migrant Charged After Shooting at DEA Agents in Phoenix

Eduardo Valenzuela Lopez and Jael Gonzales Banuelos indicted for fentanyl distribution and assault on federal officers.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:50am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single fentanyl pill or powder against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A harsh flash photograph of a single fentanyl pill or powder highlights the dangerous realities of the synthetic opioid crisis.Phoenix Today

An undocumented migrant named Eduardo Valenzuela Lopez was indicted by a federal grand jury for attempted murder after he allegedly shot at U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents in Phoenix earlier this year. Lopez's co-defendant, Jael Gonzales Banuelos, was also indicted for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating the flow of illicit fentanyl and the violence associated with drug trafficking networks. The charges against Lopez and Banuelos reflect the Department of Justice's efforts to disrupt the supply chain of dangerous synthetic opioids.

The details

According to court documents, from January 30 to February 24, Lopez coordinated the sale and delivery of around 50,000 fentanyl pills. On February 24, law enforcement discovered the men intended to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. When DEA agents approached the Dodge Ram truck the men were in, Lopez allegedly began shooting at the agents, who returned fire. No one was injured during the exchange. Investigators later found a firearm, the 50,000 fentanyl pills, and a kilogram of fentanyl powder at Lopez's residence.

  • From January 30 to February 24, Lopez coordinated the sale and delivery of around 50,000 fentanyl pills.
  • On February 24, law enforcement attempted to arrest Lopez and Banuelos when they delivered the fentanyl pills.
  • Lopez allegedly shot at DEA agents, who returned fire, on February 24.

The players

Eduardo Valenzuela Lopez

A 33-year-old undocumented migrant from Sonora, Mexico, who was indicted for attempted murder, assaulting or resisting a law enforcement officer, use of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the U.S., conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Jael Gonzales Banuelos

A 22-year-old Phoenix resident who was Lopez's co-defendant, indicted for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Timothy Courchaine

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, who stated that the Department of Justice is driving a nationwide effort to combat the flow of fentanyl at all levels.

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What they’re saying

“We are driving a nationwide effort to choke off the flow of fentanyl at every level — from transnational criminal organizations to street-level distribution. We continue to stand by our federal agents as they confront these violent criminal networks head on.”

— Timothy Courchaine, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona

What’s next

The judge will decide on the defendants' bail status at a future court hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle against the fentanyl crisis, where law enforcement must confront both the distribution networks and the violence associated with the drug trade. It underscores the Department of Justice's commitment to disrupting the supply chain of synthetic opioids at all levels.