A Nigerian man, Laurel Echezonam, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements while attempting to purchase a firearm in the U.S. The 25-year-old, who entered the country unlawfully through the southern border in 2022, was denied the weapon due to his immigration status.
Echezonam attempted to purchase firearms from dealers in Mississippi on June 7 and 8, 2024. He filled out the required forms, falsely claiming to be legally present in the U.S. to deceive the sellers. His actions led to his apprehension by immigration authorities.
Despite being denied, Echezonam’s actions were flagged by authorities, and an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) was launched. Echezonam’s case was prosecuted by U.S. Assistant Attorneys Lynn Murray and C. Brett Grantham.
The 25-year-old pleaded guilty on December 15, 2025, in the Southern District of Mississippi. He faces a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 17, 2026.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting immigration violations, organized crime, and violent crime enforcement across the U.S.