Illegal Immigrant Sentenced After AK-47 Seized in New York

Federal agents recovered the firearm before it could be used in a crime.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:11pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of an AK-47 assault rifle against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic of the weapon without depicting any actual violence.Federal agents' swift action to recover an illegal AK-47 before it could be used underscores the coordinated efforts to curb violent crime in New York.NYC Today

A 45-year-old Mexican citizen living in the United States illegally has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison after agents found him in possession of an AK-47 style firearm. The case is part of a broader federal initiative to reduce violent crime through coordinated law enforcement efforts.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal, state, and local authorities to crack down on illegal firearms and prevent potential acts of violence before they occur, especially when involving individuals who are in the country unlawfully.

The details

According to federal officials, the case started in September 2025 when Herrera Martinez attempted to purchase magazines for a rifle, which caught the attention of investigators. Agents then searched the residence where he was staying and recovered the weapon, identified as a Romarm SA Cugir Model SAR-1, commonly known as an AK-47. Herrera Martinez was arrested the same day and has remained in custody ever since.

  • In September 2025, Herrera Martinez attempted to purchase rifle magazines, which caught the attention of investigators.
  • Shortly after, federal agents searched the residence where Herrera Martinez was staying and recovered the AK-47.
  • Herrera Martinez was arrested the same day and has remained in custody ever since.

The players

Hector Javier Herrera Martinez

A 45-year-old Mexican citizen living in the United States illegally who was found in possession of an AK-47 style firearm.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

A federal law enforcement agency that was involved in the investigation and recovery of the AK-47.

Homeland Security Investigations

A federal law enforcement agency that was involved in the investigation and recovery of the AK-47.

U.S. District Judge Mae A. D'Agostino

The federal judge who sentenced Herrera Martinez to 10 months in prison and ordered the forfeiture of the firearm.

Project Safe Neighborhoods

A federal initiative that focuses on reducing violent crime through coordinated law enforcement efforts.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Herrera Martinez to be released on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal, state, and local authorities to crack down on illegal firearms and prevent potential acts of violence before they occur, especially when involving individuals who are in the country unlawfully. The coordinated law enforcement approach through initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods aims to keep communities safer by quickly responding to potential threats.