Investigation into Mexican Restaurants Linked to Crime Network
Last week, federal agents held a press conference discussing a series of attacks on eight Mexican restaurants across the state. They mentioned that the incidents are part of a larger investigation into a crime network.
On Friday, three complaints were filed in federal court that expand on this case. All the complaints target non-citizens. Two are against Luis Miguel Campos Reyes and Isaac Fernandez Lopez, accusing them of harboring illegal immigrants and knowingly employing them. The third complaint involves Marco Antonio Guzman, who is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Recovery of Drugs and Firearms
Federal agents seized drugs—like cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana—along with 20 firearms during operations at the restaurants and six associated homes. Authorities noted that all the drugs traced back to a single residence.
This particular residence, located in Lee County and owned by Cesar Campos Reyes, is the main target in the ongoing investigation. Cesar is also the owner of several Mexican restaurants in the area. The complaint against Guzman outlines his involvement in a 2022 investigation focused on drug trafficking in Auburn, where he was identified as a leader in distributing both powder and crack cocaine.
According to the allegations, various confidential sources managed to buy cocaine from Guzman, including a notable transaction in April 2022 where they purchased four ounces of crack cocaine. Follow-up surveillance in May 2025 confirmed transactions from his property, leading to multiple cocaine purchases in June and July 2025, albeit smaller amounts valued at $110, $50, and $50, respectively.
In total, the complaint included details about 12 firearms found at the residence during the raid. Specifics included a Taurus 12-gauge shotgun, a Taurus 9mm, and others, with many of the suspected drugs located close to a SCCY 9mm handgun.
Guzman was eventually arrested at a nearby store. During questioning, he reportedly claimed to have sold small quantities of drugs to acquaintances. He mentioned regularly buying 2-3 ounces of cocaine at a price of around $900 for an ounce.
Wider Criminal Conspiracy Suggested
While the charges against Luis Campos Reyes are misdemeanors, the investigation ties back to a larger effort initiated in April 2021 by the DEA and FBI, focusing on various financial crimes. These included tax fraud, money laundering, and bank fraud, all leading to Cesar Campos-Reyes’ businesses, which are described in the documents as “Campos-Reyes Enterprise.”
The documents identify Luis as Cesar’s brother, detailing his ties to the business and that he manages a restaurant called Come En Casa in Opelika. Though he is labeled a “conspirator” in relation to Cesar, the only criminal acts alleged against him are minor misdemeanors. Come En Casa has been used to acquire fraudulent pandemic relief funds, with messages between the brothers reflecting their business interactions.
Authorities obtained information from Cesar Campos-Reyes’ phone following his attempt to return to the U.S. from Mexico.
Similar complaints against Isaac Fernandez Lopez indicate that he is Cesar’s brother-in-law and operates Opelika El Patron. The documents note that he has no record of legal entry into the U.S. but does possess valid employment authorization until 2028. There were traffic stops involving vehicles leaving El Patron, where illegal workers were later identified, with those vehicles traced back to Cesar’s residence.
Future Developments Expected
This week, prosecutors are expected to present sufficient evidence to advance charges against all three individuals in federal court. New details might also emerge as they argue for continued detention based on perceived flight risks.
Attorney Richard Matthews mentioned that further allegations against Cesar Campos-Reyes are likely forthcoming.
All three individuals facing these charges are Mexican nationals.
