Eight people arrested during a federal immigration enforcement operation in western Kentucky have been indicted on allegations that they used stolen Social Security numbers to obtain work, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
The arrests were part of Homeland Security Investigations’ “Operation Take Back America” effort in the Paducah area on May 21 and 22, federal officials said. Thirteen people were arrested in connection with the operation, and prosecutors said eight of them had used personal information stolen from Americans.
Federal Officials Point to I-9 Forms
Investigators allege the defendants supplied stolen information on USCIS Form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification form used to confirm whether a worker is authorized to work in the United States.
Officials said the defendants used Social Security numbers belonging to American citizens to secure employment.
Those indicted were identified 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.
Officials Say the Case Is Not “Victimless”
“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 described the alleged conduct as harmful to U.S. workers.
“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.”
Possible Prison Time if Convicted
If convicted on the fraud allegations, the defendants could face up to five years in prison, according to federal officials.
The source material also notes a separate recent allegation in North Carolina, where two former employees of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Huntersville reportedly claimed that unauthorized workers used their Social Security numbers after they left the restaurant. Those North Carolina claims are separate from the Kentucky indictments.
