Victor Jose Marino Pullo, a 24-year-old citizen of Ecuador, has been arrested and charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Marino Pullo was stopped by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers on November 25, 2025, at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry while driving a U-Haul box truck. He was accompanied by another individual as they were moving from Connecticut to Buffalo. While following GPS directions, Marino Pullo was led onto the Peace Bridge but did not cross into Canada. Instead, he turned around on the bridge and was then inspected by CBP officers.
Marino Pullo and his companion were referred for secondary inspection due to lacking proper immigration documents. During this process, CBP officers found photos on Marino Pullo’s cell phone showing him holding a pistol. A search of the U-Haul truck led officers to discover a loaded pistol inside a cardboard box containing clothes.
Authorities also reported that Marino Pullo had previously been encountered by U.S. Border Patrol on four occasions and had been removed from the United States each time.
The investigation is being conducted by Customs and Border Protection under Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy and Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo emphasized: “The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
