TN - Officials warn against IDs sold to undocumented immigrants

Posted: Dec 09, 2014 7:22 PM PST Updated: Dec 09, 2014 8:15 PM PST
Reported by Jeremy Finley
Connect

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -

President Barack Obama's visit to Nashville Tuesday came in the midst of a state investigation into a business accused of selling convincing-looking Tennessee IDs to undocumented immigrants.

Yuri Cunza, president and CEO of the Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has a warning for anyone using a fake ID.

"Having a fake identity or fraudulent document will get you in jail," Cunza said.

Cunza said he has real concerns about the IDs for sale to undocumented immigrants.

"It may be considered a fake ID if it is presented as an ID," Cunza said.

A Channel 4 I-Team investigation exposed how Antioch-based Servicio Internacional was selling the Tennessee IDs to anyone without proof of their identity. Both the state's Identity Crime Unit and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission are now investigating.

The I-Team found that the IDs could be used to purchase alcohol.

Cunza said if he encounters anyone with one of the IDs, he will tell them to get rid of it.

"It's a high risk for the individual getting that," Cunza said.

Sabrina Jacal, the owner of Servicio Internacional, openly expressed her frustrations that the government isn't giving drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants, but said what she is selling clearly states it's not a government ID.

However, Cunza worries that the IDs look too similar to the old Tennessee IDs and undocumented immigrants may try to pass it off as the real thing.

"It's not the best option for anyone, and neither for a business entity to be facilitating things that are not in compliance with the law," Cunza said.

The IDs cost $85. Cunza wonders if Servicio Internacional is out to make money off of the undocumented population in Nashville.

"It's a business," Cunza said. "The IDs are for sale. Definitely there is a business purpose for selling anything."

But when asked if she is profiting off the undocumented population of Nashville, she told the I-Team, "It's not the main revenue of my company."

Jacal contends the IDs are part of the service she provides to immigrants, including translation.

The state is now investigating if the IDs simply go too far in their design and could be considered fake government IDs.

http://www.wsmv.com/story/27590125/o...ted-immigrants