ATF Miami

Official ATF Miami X account for the ATF Miami Field Division: South Florida, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

Our sympathies are with @browardsheriff Fire Rescue & Emergency Services and the family and friends of Firefighter/Paramedic Steven Lepselter, who died from a medical emergency while on duty. He served as a firefighter from 19 years. #LODD #LastAlarm @ATFMiami

[ATF Miami @ATFMiami]

@ATFMiami alongside prosecutors at @USAO_SDFL will work tirelessly to hold this individual, a convicted felon, who shot a @ftlauderdalepd K9 - accountable for his actions.

[US Attorney Reding Quiñones @USAO_SDFL]

A convicted felon allegedly chose to arm himself, flee from law enforcement, and shoot a police K-9—now facing serious federal charges. Attacks on law enforcement officers and K-9s will be met with aggressive prosecution. Illegal firearm possession and violent resistance only add years of consequences. Accountability follows.

[ATF Miami @ATFMiami]

Federal Jury Convicts Armed Multi-Convicted Felon in Explosive Arson and Counterfeit Oxy Fentanyl Scheme
in case @ATFMiami worked jointly alongside @FBIMiamiFL @PBCountySheriff & @USAO_SDFL

[US Attorney Reding Quiñones @USAO_SDFL]

A federal jury convicted a multi-convicted felon who set a vehicle packed with fentanyl disguised as oxy pills, crack cocaine, cash, and a loaded firearm on fire while law enforcement officers stood nearby during a Palm Beach County drug investigation. The explosion could have killed officers and innocent bystanders.

The defendant now faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison. Federal, state, and local law enforcement will continue targeting armed drug traffickers who endanger our communities with fentanyl, illegal firearms, and violence. Crime brings consequences.

[U.S. Attorney PR @USAO_PR]

Indictments, Convictions through Guilty Pleas, and Sentencings in Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Prosecutions.
https://t.co/n5GaI7HtHm

[U.S. Attorney PR @USAO_PR]

23 Members of the Criminal Organization known as La Familia Nunca Muere (The Family Never Dies) Charged with Racketeering and Murder as part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Initiative.
https://t.co/vWfnrjcjFV

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

Today, ATF, in partnership with Wichita State University and its Midwest Criminal Justice Institute, announced the grand opening of the ATF Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory on the Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus.

U.S. Senator @JerryMoran (R-Kan.), Acting Attorney General @DAGToddBlanche, @ATFHQ Director Robert Cekada, and @PresidentWSU Dr. Richard Muma made the announcement about the new facility. The lab will be positioned alongside the Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence, with the ATF Wichita Field Office nearby to create a powerful hub for combating violent gun crime.

This milestone represents a significant advancement in ATF’s forensic capabilities and our partnerships with academia and law enforcement. More at https://t.co/88VjQ9evAX. #CrimeGunIntel

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

The new ATF Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory is purpose-built to transform how law enforcement investigates violent firearms crimes. As the first forensic laboratory to specialize in DNA recovery from fired cartridge cases, FCGIL combines advanced DNA collection and analysis with a high-throughput workflow. This enables rapid development of investigative leads from crime scene evidence and felon-in-possession cases, linking suspects through the national DNA database hits and connecting crimes even when different firearms are used.

“This laboratory is a force multiplier for law enforcement,” said ATF Director Robert Cekada. “It brings together DNA, casing acquisitions into NIBIN, firearm examinations, serial number restoration, latent fingerprints, and intelligence support in one place, allowing us to move faster and provide investigators with the leads they need. Every hour matters in a violent crime investigation, and this facility helps close that gap and strengthens our ability to go after those who use firearms to harm our communities.”

Learn more about ATF labs at https://t.co/BC5rkZ3cvf. #CrimeGunIntel

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

This week, ATF Director Robert Cekada presented Nereida Vargas, the mother of Sergeant Joseph Azcona, with a shadow box containing an ATF Task Force Officer badge and credentials. Sergeant Azcona was killed in the line of duty in March 2025, while serving alongside @ATF_Newark V Task Force. He had been selected and approved by @NewarkNJPolice to become a full-time ATF Task Force Officer but was tragically slain before his formal assignment could be completed.

ATF was honored to host the Azcona family at ATF Headquarters in Washington, D.C., during #PoliceWeek to honor his service. Sergeant Azcona was a five-year veteran of the Newark Police Department, and his dedication to protecting his community from violent crime will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, ATF TFO/Sergeant Azcona. #LODD #EOW #PoliceWeek2026

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

Yesterday, ATF held a ceremonial swearing-in for Robert Cekada as Director at ATF Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche administered the oath and presented Director Cekada with his official badge and credentials.

Director Cekada began his career in law enforcement as New York City Police officer; he joined ATF in 2005 as a Special Agent. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 29, 2026, and is only the third Senate-confirmed leader in the agency’s history and the first active ATF Special Agent to hold the title of director.

More at https://t.co/VnBO4I3kXJ #WeAreATF #ATFDirector

[ATF Miami @ATFMiami]

Husband and Wife, and a Third Individual Charged with Firearms Trafficking from Massachusetts into Puerto Rico...

[U.S. Attorney PR @USAO_PR]

Husband and Wife, and a Third Individual Charged with Firearms Trafficking.
https://t.co/gzlGEr342E

[ATF Miami @ATFMiami]

The @ATFMiami Street Terror Offender Program (STOP) Group are agents and task force officers from @MiamiDade_SO @PoliceHialeah @MiamiPD & @MiamiBeachPD who continue to support @DEAMIAMIDiv in this investigation resulting in hundreds of kilograms of cocaine seized, a cache of weapons, and a large amount of cash.

[US Attorney Reding Quiñones @USAO_SDFL]

“Operation Mousetrap” led by federal partners has dismantled a major cocaine trafficking network operating through Miami, with drugs sourced from Colombia and routed through the Dominican Republic. Investigators seized hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, including a shipment exceeding 500 kg, along with millions of dollars and firearms tied to a high-rise stash site. This case highlights the reach and coordination of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) and its partner agencies. The message is clear: if you participate, you will be found, prosecuted, and face severe consequences.

[ATF Miami @ATFMiami]

Contact the @ATFMiami recruiter at: [email protected] for more info!

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

Do you have what it takes to be an ATF Special Agent? New agents can earn up to $60,000 in signing bonuses, and experienced agents may receive up to $25,000 when transferring. Veterans receive hiring preference, age‑waiver opportunities, and access to SkillBridge. If you're ready to make an impact in the fight against violent crime, explore your path forward at https://t.co/MkIBtp5pTV #ATFJobs

[ATF Miami @ATFMiami]

Yesterday, DOJ and ATF announced regulatory reforms to reduce burdens on law-abiding gun owners and businesses today. With a renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and partnership, ATF is committed to a new era of reform. Read more about the new era at https://t.co/WiAhBjH7FA….

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

🚨Breaking: The Senate has confirmed Robert Cekada to be the new Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, making him only the third Senate-confirmed leader in the agency’s history and the first active ATF Special Agent to hold the title of director.

A law enforcement veteran with more than 30 years of dedicated service, Cekada brings extensive experience and steady leadership to the role. President Trump nominated Cekada originally Nov. 18, 2025. He well-positioned to guide the ATF into its next chapter with a proven track record of taking violent criminals off the streets while protecting Constitutional rights of Americans. More at https://t.co/PgIuazAsEM.

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Robert Cekada, who was recently confirmed as ATF director, are announcing 34 Notices of Proposed Rulemaking and Final Rules following a comprehensive review of existing regulations conducted in compliance with Executive Order 14206, Protecting Second Amendment Rights. Consistent with  ATF's commitment in 2025 to rebuild trust with Federal Firearms and Explosives Licensees and industry stakeholders. This review included a consideration of industry and expert feedback and concerns. This landmark release is the first in a series of regulatory updates the ATF plans to issue. Watch the livestream at https://t.co/tqlBAQFwUt

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

If you know about a crime involving arson, explosives, or a firearm, please report it to your local law enforcement agency or to ATF directly at:
📞 Phone: 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477)
🌐 Online: https://t.co/WQ07i8FFqz
📲 App: ReportIt® mobile app, available for android and iOS
#ATFTips

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

Our deep sympathies are with @PRPDNoticias and the family and friends of Agent Eddie Santiago-Renta, who was shot and killed during an undercover operation. Agent Santiago-Renta served with the police department for 22 years and is survived by his wife and four children. #LODD #EOW @ATFMiami

[ATF Miami @ATFMiami]

Brazilian National Convicted for Scheme to Smuggle Machine Gun Parts from the United States to Brazil

[US Attorney Reding Quiñones @USAO_SDFL]

A federal jury in Miami convicted a Brazilian national for attempting to smuggle machine gun parts from the United States to Brazil.
Evidence at trial showed the defendants planned to hide HK firearm kits inside otherwise legal export shipments so they could be assembled into fully automatic rifles overseas.
Thanks to the work of ATF agents and federal partners, the scheme was stopped before those weapons reached the international black market.

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

On March 9, 2026, Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the graduating class of 22 ATF Special Agents at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.

“Through your work, your character, and your service, I’m confident that you’ll help write the next chapter in the history of ATF,” said Bondi. “This is a tremendous responsibility. But based on what I’ve seen here today, I know you’re all more than ready to meet that challenge.”

These new agents are equipped to advance our mission of combating violent crime and enhancing public safety nationwide. Interested in joining this vital work? Explore career opportunities with ATF at https://t.co/Ezmfr5PCC7.

[ATF Miami @ATFMiami]

Honoring Our Fallen today…

[ATF HQ @ATFHQ]

On this solemn anniversary, we honor ATF Special Agents Conway LeBleu, Todd McKeehan, Robert Williams and Steven Willis, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We extend our deepest respect and gratitude to their families and friends. https://t.co/zje2g6JVR5