A significant immigration enforcement operation unfolded at a Kings Mountain industrial site, leading to multiple arrests and federal charges. The ICE raid at the Kings Mountain factory, specifically the Buckeye Fire Equipment Company, was executed on June 25 by a coalition of federal agencies. While 30 individuals were initially taken into custody, eight of them now face serious federal charges, having made their first court appearance in Charlotte on July 8. This operation highlights a focused effort on crimes beyond immigration status, zeroing in on identity theft and document fraud.
The initial court proceedings did not result in the release of any of the eight charged individuals. As reported, none were granted bail during their July 8 hearing, meaning they will remain in detention until a future court date where the possibility of release pending trial may be reconsidered. The case remains under active investigation, leaving open the possibility of additional charges against other individuals or potential legal repercussions for the company itself.
The Scope of the Kings Mountain ICE Operation
The ICE raid on the Kings Mountain factory was far from a routine immigration check. It was a coordinated action led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of ICE, which executed a federal search warrant. The operation’s scale was underscored by the involvement of numerous high-level law enforcement partners, including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals, IRS Criminal Investigation, ATF, and several local police and sheriff’s offices. This multi-agency presence signals the serious nature of the financial and identity crimes being investigated.
Authorities from ICE confirmed that the investigation preceding the raid was primarily focused on allegations of identity theft and other related financial crimes. The execution of the warrant at Buckeye Fire Equipment was the public culmination of this investigation. The collaboration with agencies like the IRS Criminal Investigation division specifically points to an inquiry into the misuse of Social Security numbers and the creation of false documents for gainful employment.
Federal Charges Stemming from the Factory Raid
Of the 30 detainees from the initial operation, eight have been charged with federal crimes. The primary charge for seven of these individuals is illegal re-entry into the United States after having been previously formally deported. This is a federal felony offense. Additionally, they face charges for using false documents, such as counterfeit Social Security cards, to secure employment at the factory, which forms the basis of the identity theft investigation.
The consequences for these charges are severe. A conviction for illegal re-entry, particularly for those with prior criminal histories, can carry substantial prison sentences. After serving any federally mandated prison time, the individuals would then be subject to removal (deportation) from the United States. This differentiates their cases from those in civil immigration proceedings, as they are now navigating the federal criminal justice system.
Profiles of the Eight Charged in the ICE Investigation
Federal documents released on July 10 detail the identities and backgrounds of the eight men facing charges. Their profiles reveal a history of previous encounters with U.S. immigration authorities. For instance, Geovany López López of Guatemala was deported in 2011, while Alberto Pérez Mendoza had been deported multiple times between 2006 and 2015. Enrique Gil Rojano had a criminal record including a felony perjury conviction in California leading to his 2005 deportation.
Other individuals named include Humberto Guzmán Lemus, deported in 2019 after a DUI arrest; Arturo Albarras Altunar, deported three times in 2016 alone; and Luis Antonio Martínez López, deported in 2011 and again in 2018 after arrests. José De La Cruz-López and Angel Antonio Lara Reyes round out the group, with the latter having been deported in 2014. Their collective histories illustrate the federal government’s focus on arresting and prosecuting individuals who have re-entered the country after formal removal.
Resources and Guidance Following the Raid
For the local community, the ICE raid at the Kings Mountain factory has raised many questions and concerns. Understanding the roles of the various federal agencies involved, such as HSI, CBP, and others, is crucial for comprehending the operation’s legality and scope. It is also important to know the differences between civil immigration detention and federal criminal charges to understand the legal pathways these eight individuals are now facing.
For those seeking more information or resources, it is recommended to consult official guides and legal aid organizations specializing in immigration law. Accurate information is vital in navigating the complex U.S. immigration system, understanding one’s rights, and knowing the procedures for issues like posting bail for someone in ICE custody or finding legal representation for federal court proceedings.