Federal, state cooperation shuts down fraudulent documents operation

Suspect manufactured phony immigration documents, Social Security cards and driver's licenses

WILMINGTON, Del. - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Tuesday the arrest of a Mexican national on federal charges that he was producing and misusing immigration documents. Pedro Altatenco-Luna has had his initial appearance in federal court for the District of Delaware and was ordered held in custody. Altatenco-Luna has been charged by the United States Attorney for the District of Delaware with violations of Title 18 USC 1028, Producing Identification Documents and Title 18 USC 1546, Fraud and Misuse of Immigration Documents.

The investigation was sparked when the Delaware State Police (DSP) became suspicious of a package identified through an undisclosed narcotics interdiction initiative. Further investigation by the DSP led to the discovery of approximately 200 suspected fraudulent I-551 resident alien cards (so called green cards). Also included in the package were homeland security document laminates with official seals and similar laminates for Mexican drivers licenses.