In a major crackdown on illegal firearms trafficking, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has dismantled a dangerous network tied to the Sureños gang in Oregon. This undercover sting operation, spanning Portland and Salem, resulted in the recovery of 15 firearms and a staggering 58 machine gun conversion devices—tools that transform standard guns into fully automatic weapons. The arrests of three alleged gang members highlight the ongoing battle against gun violence and organized crime in the Pacific Northwest.
The Rise of Machine Gun Converters: A Growing Threat in Oregon
Machine gun conversion devices, often called “switches” or “auto sears,” are small, inexpensive gadgets that can turn semi-automatic pistols or rifles into illegal machine guns capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute. These devices are banned under federal law, yet their proliferation on the black market has fueled a surge in violent crimes across the U.S., including drive-by shootings and gang-related incidents.
In Oregon, where urban centers like Portland and Salem grapple with rising gun violence, these converters exacerbate the dangers. According to federal prosecutors, the devices recovered in this operation could have armed dozens of criminals, turning everyday handguns into weapons of mass destruction. The ATF’s focus on these items isn’t just about numbers—it’s about preventing the next tragedy.
Unpacking the Portland-Salem ATF Sting: How It Went Down
The operation kicked off in July 2025 and ran through November, with ATF undercover agents posing as buyers in a series of meticulously planned transactions. Targeting members of the Sureños—a loosely affiliated street gang originating from Southern California—the sting exposed a web of illegal arms and drug deals right in Oregon’s heartland.
| Date | Location | Suspect Involved | Items “Purchased” by Agents | Value/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 16, 2025 | Portland | Cesar Daniel Arevalo (36) | .22-caliber gun, Ruger rifle, AM-15 rifle | $3,200 cash; sold from car trunk |
| November 10, 2025 | Portland/Salem | Jose Luis Diaz-Ceballos (24) | Short-barreled rifle, .45-caliber pistol, 4 AR-style converters, 1 Glock converter | Included offer for armed meth transport security |
| November 18, 2025 | Salem | Jose Luis Brown-Ceballos (35) | Additional firearms and converters contributing to totals | Part of ongoing undercover buys |
Agents didn’t stop at guns: They also netted 57 grams of cocaine during the probe, revealing ties to narcotics trafficking. One suspect even offered “armed security” for a fictional 10-pound methamphetamine shipment, showcasing the gang’s deep involvement in the drug trade.
The sting culminated in arrests this week, with all three men—Cesar Daniel Arevalo, Jose Luis Diaz-Ceballos, and Jose Luis Brown-Ceballos—making their first federal court appearances in Portland on Monday. They’re charged as felons in possession of firearms, a serious offense carrying up to 10 years in prison per count.
Who Are the Sureños? Gang Ties Fueling Oregon’s Arms Crisis
The Sureños, known for their allegiance to the Mexican Mafia, have expanded from California prisons into street-level operations across the West Coast. In Portland and Salem, these alleged members were peddling high-risk items to undercover buyers, blending gang loyalty with profit-driven crime.
Federal affidavits unsealed this week paint a picture of calculated dealings: Text messages arranging meets, trunk handoffs in parking lots, and casual offers of firepower for drug runs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Bockelman highlighted one defendant’s willingness to provide protection for a massive meth deal, calling it a stark example of how gangs weaponize communities.
This isn’t isolated—Oregon has seen a spike in gang-related shootings, with ATF data showing a 20% uptick in illegal gun recoveries statewide over the past year. Operations like this one aim to disrupt supply lines before they reach the streets.
Legal Ramifications: Felon Firearms Possession and Beyond
Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)), felons are prohibited from owning or selling firearms—a rule these suspects allegedly flouted spectacularly. The machine gun converters add layers of charges under the National Firearms Act, potentially escalating penalties to 30 years or more.
Prosecutors emphasized the public safety angle: “These devices turn handguns into machine guns, endangering everyone in their path,” Bockelman noted in court filings. For communities tired of gun violence, this bust is a win—but experts warn that without addressing root causes like poverty and border smuggling, more converters will slip through.