KNOXVILLE, TN - Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to work on getting illegal alien criminals removed from the country, with the latest bust involving three Guatemalan illegals on Aug. 4 for identity theft-related charges, according to a news release from the agency.
ICE New Orleans arrested the three, two of whom had existing criminal histories, for alleged fraudulent use of stolen identities and Social Security numbers.
Magdalena Gomez-Garcia, Elias Gomez-Garcia, and Eulalia Ordonez-Carmelo, all of whom had final orders of removal, were arrested by ICE officers.
The investigation revealed that Magdalena Gomez-Garcia stole the identity of a victim now living in New York for the purposes of working for a local employer in February 2026. That led to wages being attributed to the legal number holder, forcing her to repeatedly contact officials to have the incorrectly reported earnings removed from her record, the release said.
“These crimes have real victims,” said ICE New Orleans acting Field Office Director Scott Ladwig. “Fraudulent documents and stolen identities can cause lasting harm to victims, workers, and businesses. I commend our officers and partners for their work to hold offenders accountable and protect our communities.”
Magdalena Gomez-Garcia was contacted by U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona in July 2018 and issued a notice to appear. On April 24, 2019, she was subjected to a final order of removal in absentia.
Elias Gomez-Garcia was initially removed in 2009, then twice more in 2011 and 2018. His criminal history includes arrests for traffic offenses in Kentucky and South Carolina.
Meanwhile, Ordonez-Carmelo illegally entered the U.S. and was encountered near the Rio Grande Valley in 2022. She was issued a Notice to Appear and released on her own recognizance. An immigration judge ordered her removed from the United States on Feb. 27, 2023.
Officials say further charges may be forthcoming.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, the message is clear: If you come into our country illegally and break our laws, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will deport you,” ICE said.
Those wishing to report immigration-related crimes or suspicious activity are encouraged to anonymously contact ICE via this form or call the toll-free ICE Tip Line at (866) 347-2423.
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