ICE Alleges Immigrants at North Carolina Business Stole IDs to Gain Work Authorization
KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC — Federal immigration agents took 30 employees into custody during a major enforcement operation at a North Carolina fire equipment company this week, alleging that immigrant workers used stolen identities to gain employment.
Multi-agency raid targets fire equipment business
On Wednesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, in collaboration with the FBI, DEA, ATF, and local police, executed a criminal search warrant at Buckeye Fire Equipment Company. The operation was part of an investigation into aggravated identity theft and employment fraud, according to NewsNation.
Roughly 300 employees were on site at the time of the raid. Witnesses reported agents entering the facility with guns drawn, and employees were detained for questioning about their citizenship and work documentation.
Allegations of fraudulent Social Security numbers
Federal officials allege that many of the individuals taken into custody had used fraudulent or stolen Social Security numbers to gain employment with the company, which reportedly has contracts with the Department of Defense and the Small Business Administration.
ICE stated that the investigation is ongoing and that more arrests are possible.
“Identity fraud is not a victimless crime — it fuels a range of criminal activity and puts innocent people at risk,” said Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations in Charlotte, in an official statement. He added that HSI will continue to pursue those who exploit the system for personal gain.
Employees describe chaotic scene
Workers told local affiliate Queen City News that the enforcement action lasted several hours and was marked by confusion and fear. Eric Pinon, a U.S. citizen working at the company, said that all employees were kept in a room for over an hour before being questioned outside.
“They were asking questions like, ‘Are you a U.S. citizen?’ ‘Anybody in there working without papers?’” Pinon said in a televised interview.
As of Friday, Buckeye Fire Equipment Company had not issued a public statement in response to the allegations or the federal search.
You can read further updates via QC News.
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