Blademir Angulo Audeves, a 42-year-old Mexican national, pleaded guilty on August 20 to charges of being an alien in possession of a firearm and knowingly employing unauthorized aliens. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Humetewa in Phoenix, Arizona. Sentencing is set for October 28, 2025.
According to court documents, Audeves owned and operated El Taqueria El Taco Loko LLC, which included both a brick-and-mortar location and two mobile restaurants in the Phoenix metropolitan area. He admitted to knowingly hiring at least twelve individuals who were not legally authorized to work or reside in the United States.
Audeves also acknowledged that he was not legally present in the country and that he possessed three firearms and ammunition in July 2025. Federal law prohibits non-citizens without legal status from possessing firearms.
Conviction for being an alien in possession of a firearm carries up to fifteen years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Knowingly employing unauthorized aliens can result in up to six months imprisonment and fines of $3,000 per unauthorized worker involved.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice that focuses on combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and addressing violent crime through coordinated efforts involving Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. The prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
