http://www.wboc.com/Global/story.asp?S=7928356

Written by Kye Parsons

Fake Documents Operation Shut Down in Delaware

02/26/2008 3:17 PM ET

WILMINGTON, Del.- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Tuesday the arrest of a Mexican national on federal charges that he was producing and misusing immigration documents.

Pedro Altatenco-Luna 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 producing identification documents and fraud and misuse of immigration documents.

According to ICE, the investigation was sparked when Delaware State Police became suspicious of a package identified through an undisclosed narcotics interdiction initiative. Further investigation by police led to the discovery of approximately 200 suspected fraudulent green cards. Also included in the package were U.S. Homeland Security document laminates with official seals and similar laminates for Mexican drivers' licenses.

State police contacted ICE investigators at their Wilmington, Del. office and last Friday both agencies conducted raided a location in New Castle. According to ICE, during the search agents uncovered equipment used to produce fraudulent identification documents, 1,000 document laminates and various resident alien cards, Social Security cards and drivers' licenses from Mexican, Ohio and Pennsylvania drivers' licenses in various stages of production.

"Making and selling counterfeit identity documents such as fake alien resident cards and Social Security cards help illegal aliens, criminals and even terrorists evade detection and embed themselves in our society," said John P. Kelleghan special agent in charge of ICE's Office of Investigation in Philadelphia.

According to ICE, the search also resulted in the seizure of typewriters, printers, cameras, computers, scanners and other material used to complete the documents.

Altatenco-Luna faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison on the two charges.