July 18, 2026 – Imperial County Sheriff’s Office officials report that 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.

Source & photo: Imperial County Sheriff’s Office