Phoenix Taco Shop Owner Pleads Guilty to Gun and Immigration Charges

Blademir Angulo Audeves, a 42-year-old owner of El Taco Loko restaurants in Phoenix, pleaded guilty to federal charges of knowingly employing at least 12 unauthorized immigrants and possessing firearms as an alien in the United States illegally. Prosecutors revealed that Audeves not only hired undocumented workers but also arranged for some to be smuggled into the U.S., charging up to $12,000 per person. The charges carry significant penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the firearms violation, and up to six months in prison with a $3,000 fine per unauthorized worker for the employment violations. His sentencing is scheduled for October 28, 2025. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and highlights ongoing enforcement actions against illegal employment and gun possession by unauthorized immigrants. Audeves operated a brick-and-mortar restaurant, a food truck, and a taco bus in the Phoenix metropolitan area.