ICE Phoenix, law enforcement partners arrest illegal Guatemalan gang member convicted of racketeering, and possession of an unregistered firearm in Arizona

PHOENIX, Arizona — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Phoenix, and law enforcement partners from the Drug Enforcement Administration, arrested Hugo Leonel Soto-Moran, 38, in Apache Junction Feb. 24. Soto-Moran is an illegally present Guatemalan alien and validated Latin King gang member with federal convictions for possession of firearm, and racketeering.

“As a documented member of a violent street gang and an alien convicted of serious crimes, Soto-Moran demonstrated a blatant disregard for U.S. immigration laws and presented a significant danger to the residents of Arizona,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantu. “ICE Phoenix will continue to prioritize the identification, targeting, and arrest of individuals that pose the greatest threat to public safety.”

Soto unlawfully entered the United States at an unspecified date and location. In February 2009, Soto-Moran was convicted for possession of an unregistered firearm, and in August 2011, he was convicted for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. Both convictions stemmed from criminal cases before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

Soto will be held in ICE custody pending his removal from the United States.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our Arizona communities on X: @ERO__Phoenix.