A Kenyan national living in the United States has been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal firearm possession, in a case that underscores ongoing enforcement efforts targeting undocumented immigrants and gun-related offenses.
Sentencing Details
Stanley Amalemba Ambeyi, 39, was sentenced on April 6, 2026, to 18 months in federal prison by Madeline H. Haikala in Birmingham.
Ambeyi had previously pleaded guilty in November 2025 to being an undocumented immigrant in possession of a firearm, a federal offense under U.S. law.
Arrest and Investigation
According to court documents, the case began on April 11, 2025, when an officer from the Birmingham Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop.
During the stop:
- Officers observed a box of ammunition inside Ambeyi’s vehicle
- A subsequent search uncovered an Amadeo Rossi .22LR revolver
- Authorities confirmed that Ambeyi was in the U.S. without legal immigration status, making possession of a firearm illegal
Federal Enforcement Initiative
The prosecution of the case was part of Operation Take Back America, a broader initiative led by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The operation focuses on:
- Combating illegal immigration
- Disrupting transnational criminal networks
- Enforcing federal firearms laws
Additional Pending Charges
In addition to the federal firearm conviction, Ambeyi is facing separate charges in Blount County, Alabama, related to a November 2024 sting operation.
Authorities allege that:
- He attempted to meet a 15-year-old girl for sexual activity
- The charges remain pending in Blount County Circuit Court
Possible Deportation
Following completion of his 18-month prison sentence, Ambeyi is expected to undergo immigration enforcement proceedings, which could result in deportation from the United States.
Broader Implications for the Kenyan Diaspora
This case highlights the serious legal risks facing undocumented immigrants in the U.S., particularly regarding firearm possession laws, which are strictly enforced at the federal level.
It also comes amid heightened scrutiny of criminal offenses tied to immigration status, as federal authorities continue to expand enforcement operations nationwide.
By Diasporamessenger.com Reporter
