A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, has indicted a Mexican national on charges of illegal firearm possession. Jose Montero-Barradas, 34, faces a one-count indictment alleging he knowingly possessed two firearms on March 23, 2025, while being unlawfully present in the United States.
The incident leading to the indictment occurred when members of the Kansas City Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in a residential area. Officers observed Montero-Barradas entering a residence with two firearms, which were subsequently recovered. Witnesses claimed that Montero-Barradas and another individual had been discharging firearms into the air and ground. A cell phone video provided evidence of Montero-Barradas holding the weapons.
Federal law prohibits aliens from possessing firearms or ammunition. The charge against Montero-Barradas remains an accusation at this stage, with evidence yet to be presented to a federal trial jury for determination of guilt or innocence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Foley is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Kansas City Police Department.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operation consolidates efforts from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
