In a recent development, a Mexican national has pled guilty to identity theft with seven others facing immigration violations after a federal raid on a business in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Jose De La Cruz-Lopez, 45, admitted to using a social security number and false immigration identification documents to gain employment at Buckeye Fire Equipment Company. "Identity theft is a pervasive problem that can wreak havoc on a victim's life," U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson stated. He emphasized the commitment to tackling such crimes, especially when they threaten the employment laws and integrity of the hiring process, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina.
The investigation expanded after the execution of a search warrant, resulting in additional charges against several individuals. Among those charged are Humberto Guzman Lemus, Angel Antonio Lara Reyes, and others, most of whom face allegations of illegal reentry into the United States following previous deportations. According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, several individuals are awaiting sentencing, with their immigration violations accompanied by prior arrests for offenses including driving violations, assault, and drug-related crimes.
These charges form part of the larger initiative named Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice campaign aiming to push back against illegal immigration and dismantle cartel operations. In the Western District of North Carolina alone, 44 individuals have been charged with immigration offenses under this initiative. Enforcement agencies praised by U.S. Attorney Ferguson include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and Emergency Removal Operations, among others. He expressed appreciation to the supporting law enforcement agencies, which included a wide range of federal and local departments, noting their collaborative role in the complex investigation.
As legal proceedings continue, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Smith and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick, as publicly recognized by U.S. Attorney Ferguson.
