Federal agents launched a Thursday morning operation targeting five alleged unauthorized immigrants accused of credit fraud in Orange County and Long Beach. The sweep led to the arrest of one suspect, who nearly escaped in his vehicle.
The California Post observed agents using drones and firearms as they closed in on Abel Ávila Martínez, 48, of Buena Park. The Mexican national, who was removed from the United States in 1999, is accused of using fraudulent Social Security numbers to accumulate thousands of dollars in debt.
Investigators reportedly tracked Ávila Martínez with drones as he left his home before dawn and walked roughly a quarter-mile through his quiet Orange County neighborhood to a parked car.
About 20 tactical agents moved in as he got into the vehicle and prepared to leave. They boxed in the car with their own unmarked vehicles and ordered him to surrender.
“Put your hands up and don’t move,” one agent shouted as searchlights suddenly illuminated Ávila Martínez and officers trained their weapons on him. He raised both hands, allowing agents to approach and place him in handcuffs.
Court documents accuse Ávila Martínez of using counterfeit Social Security numbers to apply for credit at retail stores and online payment platforms. Prosecutors say he incurred at least $15,964 in debt through purchases made with the false identification numbers.
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He sought bankruptcy protection in May of last year in an effort to eliminate the debt. In his filing, however, he acknowledged using a fraudulent Social Security number to obtain credit, which helped bring the alleged scheme to the attention of federal investigators.
Ávila Martínez was among at least three alleged unauthorized immigrants arrested in the broader operation. In each case, investigators were prompted by the suspected use of a fraudulent Social Security number.
“This sweep resulted in the arrest of illegal aliens charged with stealing Americans’ Social Security numbers to obtain credit, run up debt, and then seek to erase over $140,000 through bankruptcy,” said Bill Essayli, the first assistant United States attorney.
“These defendants allegedly exploited both our financial system and the bankruptcy process,” he added.
Each defendant faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted.