California Man Barred from Exports Over Gun Smuggling
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
Marco Antonio Santillan Valencia from Whittier, CA, got caught and convicted for trying to illegally send guns and ammo to Mexico. Because of this, the government is banning him from exporting anything for 10 years starting from his conviction date. This means no export licenses for him, and he’s also serving time in prison and supervised release.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Individual barred from exports for 10 years
Marco Antonio Santillan Valencia is denied export privileges immediately and may not participate in any transaction involving items subject to the Export Administration Regulations from the date of this Order until January 8, 2034. He may not apply for, obtain, or use any BIS license, license exception, or export control document during this period.
Revocation of BIS licenses of interest
Any Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) licenses or authorizations in which Santillan had an interest at the time of his conviction may be revoked as a result of this Order. The revocation authority applies under the Export Control Reform Act and related EAR provisions.
Order can extend to related entities to prevent evasion
The Order states that any person, firm, corporation, or business organization related to Santillan by ownership, control, position, affiliation, or other connection in trade may also be made subject to the Order to prevent evasion. BIS may therefore target related entities to enforce the denial.
Broad ban on third-party transactions with denied person
From the date of this Order until January 8, 2034, no person may export, reexport, transfer, facilitate acquisition by or from, obtain from, or service (including installation, maintenance, repair, modification, or testing) any item subject to the Regulations on behalf of the Denied Person. These prohibitions apply to any person who would otherwise engage in such export or servicing activities.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2025-23117 — Order Denying Export Privileges
Jose Raul Paredes Arispe got caught trying to sneak firearm parts out of the U.S. without a license. Because of this, he’s banned from exporting anything for 10 years starting from his 2023 conviction. This means no export licenses for him, and he’s also serving prison time and supervised release.
Next: 2025-23119 — Order Denying Export Privileges
Marco Santillan, Jr. was convicted for illegally trying to export guns and ammo to Mexico. Because of this, the government is banning him from exporting anything for up to 10 years, starting from his conviction date. This means any export licenses he had are canceled, and he can’t get new ones during this time.
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