Omaha, Nebraska – A man is now in federal custody after authorities say he was found in possession of a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States, following an incident that also involved gunfire in a residential area of Omaha.
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Brian Alexis Baldonado Belmontes, a Mexican citizen, was charged on March 31, 2026, in the District of Nebraska. The charge stems from allegations that he possessed a firearm despite being in the country illegally. He remains in custody as the case moves forward.
Investigation began with social media video
According to the criminal complaint, the situation first came to light on March 22, 2026, when a detective with the Omaha Police Department was monitoring a social media account belonging to a juvenile born in 2008. The video that drew attention appeared to show the juvenile firing a .22 caliber AR-style rifle into the air multiple times, raising immediate safety concerns.
Law enforcement officers worked to identify the location shown in the video and determined it was near the 5200 block of South 38th Street in Omaha. When officers arrived at the scene, they found clear evidence of gunfire, including approximately 23 spent .22 caliber cartridge cases and two live rounds.
In addition to the shell casings, officers discovered a nearby vehicle that had been struck by bullets, showing around six visible defects. While authorities were still processing the scene, both the juvenile and Baldonado Belmontes approached officers and admitted to shooting the truck.
Investigators later obtained more information from Baldonado Belmontes, who directed officers to the location of the firearm used in the incident. Officers were able to recover the weapon, identified as a Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 rifle.
Further investigation revealed that Baldonado Belmontes had entered the United States illegally. According to the Department of Homeland Security, he is a foreign national from Mexico who crossed into the country at an unknown time and place.
The case is being investigated by multiple agencies, including the Omaha Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations. Authorities have not released additional details about the juvenile involved but confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
The charges against Baldonado Belmontes highlight concerns about public safety, especially when firearms are discharged in residential areas. Officials say the case will proceed through the federal court system as they continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
