Federal authorities have indicted eight migrants accused of using stolen Social Security numbers to obtain jobs in Kentucky, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
The arrests were tied to Homeland Security Investigations’ “Operation Take Back America” effort in the Paducah area on May 21 and 22. Authorities said 13 migrants were arrested during the operation, and eight of them allegedly used personal information stolen from Americans.
What investigators say happened
Federal investigators allege the eight defendants supplied stolen information on USCIS Form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification form used to confirm whether a person is authorized to work in the United States.
Officials said the defendants used Social Security numbers belonging to American citizens in order to obtain employment.
The indicted individuals were identified by federal authorities as Mexican citizens Daniel Martinez Cruz, Manuel Martinez Garcia, and Julio Venture Hernandez; Guatemalan citizens Joel Gomez, Juan Pastor Gonzalez, Marcelina Juarez-Vicentem, and Ricardo Lopez; and Spanish citizen Ana Osorio Louzado.
Federal officials frame the case as workplace fraud
“This investigation demonstrates our commitment to upholding the integrity of the nation’s employment and immigration systems,” HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting said in the release. “By uncovering and addressing the fraudulent use, our team has sent a clear message that those who attempt to circumvent federal law will be held accountable. This case underscores the importance of coordinated enforcement and collaboration in safeguarding American workplaces by combatting fraud in all forms.”
ICE Louisville acting Assistant Field Office Director Luis Aguirre also argued the alleged conduct harmed workers and communities.
“These are not victimless crimes,” Aguirre said. “Using fraudulent social security numbers to take jobs from American citizens hurts our communities and American workers. I am so proud of our officers and partners who work tirelessly to enforce our immigration laws.”
Potential prison time if convicted
If convicted of the fraud charges, the accused could face up to five years in prison, according to the source material citing federal officials.
The allegations remain accusations unless and until proven in court.
Similar claims surfaced in North Carolina
The source material also cited recent allegations in North Carolina involving two former employees of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Huntersville. Those former employees reportedly claimed that migrants used their Social Security numbers to work at the restaurant after they had left their jobs.
