Honduran National Unlawfully Residing In The United States Pleads Guilty To Fentanyl Trafficking And Firearm Charges (Photo) - 11/10/26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2026
Honduran National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearm Charges
PORTLAND, Ore. — A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and unlawfully possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford.
Ingrid Hernandez-Salgado, 22, of Gresham, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
“Fentanyl continues to devastate families and communities across Oregon, and those who choose to distribute this deadly drug will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford. “This defendant not only trafficked fentanyl but also possessed a stolen firearm while unlawfully present in the United States. Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners remain committed to disrupting drug trafficking and protecting public safety.”
According to court documents, in July 2026, an undercover Portland Police Bureau officer began communicating by text message with Hernandez-Salgado after investigators identified a phone number believed to be used in drug trafficking. Over several days, Hernandez-Salgado and the undercover officer negotiated the sale of approximately one ounce of fentanyl powder and agreed to meet on July 8, 2026, near a gas station in Gresham, Oregon.
Law enforcement officers conducting surveillance observed Hernandez-Salgado arrive at the meeting location in a vehicle. After confirming she was the individual communicating with the undercover officer, officers detained her and recovered approximately 25 grams of fentanyl powder. During a search of the vehicle, investigators located a stolen AMT Backup .45 ACP pistol in the vehicle's center console.
Following Hernandez-Salgado's arrest, investigators searched her apartment in Gresham and located more than $5,900 in U.S. currency.
As part of her guilty plea, Hernandez-Salgado admitted that she knowingly possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it and knowingly possessed a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States. She further admitted that the firearm had traveled in interstate commerce and that she knew of her unlawful immigration status when she possessed it.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Hernandez-Salgado agreed to forfeit the firearm, associated ammunition, approximately $5,919 in U.S. currency, and two cellular phones during the investigation.
Hernandez-Salgado faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Portland Police Bureau. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady Adams for the District of Oregon.
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