Federal agents arrested 13 people during an immigration and identity theft investigation at a Kentucky manufacturing business, with eight individuals now facing criminal charges for allegedly using stolen Social Security numbers to obtain employment.
A federal workplace enforcement operation in western Kentucky has resulted in the arrest of 13 people and criminal charges against eight individuals accused of using stolen identities to secure jobs.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and several federal partners carried out the operation in Paducah after uncovering what investigators described as a long-running employment fraud scheme.
Authorities said the investigation focused on the fraudulent use of Social Security numbers at a window supply company.
Eight Indicted on Federal Charges
Federal investigators allege that between June 2021 and August 2025, eight individuals used Social Security numbers belonging to U.S. citizens to complete employment eligibility paperwork and obtain jobs.
The alleged scheme involved the use of Form I-9 employment verification documents required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Those charged by federal indictment include:
- Daniel Martinez Cruz, 22, a citizen of Mexico
- Manuel Martinez Garcia, 32, a citizen of Mexico
- Joel Gomez, 63, a citizen of Guatemala
- Juan Pastor Gonzalez, 36, a citizen of Guatemala
- Julio Venture Hernandez, 29, a citizen of Mexico
- Marcelina Juarez-Vicente, 33, a citizen of Guatemala
- Ricardo Lopez, 23, a citizen of Guatemala
- Ana Osorio Louzado, 23, a citizen of Spain
If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison.
Additional Arrests Lead to Immigration Proceedings
Federal authorities said five additional individuals were arrested during the operation but were not criminally charged.
Those individuals are being held in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings and potential removal from the United States.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.
Officials Say Identity Theft Harms Victims and Workers
HSI Nashville Acting Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting said the case highlights efforts to protect both the immigration system and employment verification process.
“This investigation demonstrates our commitment to upholding the integrity of the nation’s employment and immigration systems,” Fetting said. “By uncovering and addressing the fraudulent use, our team has sent a clear message that those who attempt to circumvent federal law will be held accountable.”
ICE Louisville Acting Assistant Field Office Director Luis Aguirre emphasized that identity theft has direct consequences for victims.
“These are not victimless crimes,” Aguirre said. “Using fraudulent Social Security numbers to take jobs from American citizens hurts our communities and American workers.”
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Federal prosecutors have not identified the business involved in the investigation beyond describing it as a window supply company located in Paducah.
The criminal cases will proceed in federal court, where the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Key Points
• Federal agents arrested 13 people during a workplace enforcement operation in Paducah, Kentucky.
• Eight individuals were indicted for allegedly using stolen Social Security numbers to obtain employment.
• Five others are being held by ICE pending immigration proceedings and possible removal from the United States.
