Traffic Enforcement Stop Leads to Major Firearms Related Arrest near Calexico
CALEXICO, CA — “On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at about 1200 hours, Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) Deputies assigned to South County Patrol conducted a traffic enforcement stop on Interstate 8, west of Highway 98, near Calexico, California. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 22-year-old, Manuel Rojas-Llama Jr., out of Brawley, California.
A consent to search the vehicle was denied, at which time Deputies requested the assistance from United States Border Patrol (USBP) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). A gun detection K-9 with CBP arrived on scene. CBP Officers received a positive alert from the gun detection K-9. A search of the vehicle was conducted and multiple illegal assault rifles were located along with a grenade launcher, ammunition, ballistic vests and helmets.
Rojas-Llama was booked at the Imperial County Jail for multiple felony weapon possession charges. Rojas-Llama is being held on $55,000 bail. ICSO would like to thank USBP and CBP for their collaboration during this enforcement stop that led to the seizure of these firearms to keep our communities safe.”
