KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Federal immigration authorities have arrested three Guatemalan nationals in Knoxville following an investigation into alleged identity theft and the fraudulent use of stolen Social Security numbers.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the arrests were carried out on Aug. 4 as part of an investigation into the unlawful use of personal identifying information and employment-related fraud.
Authorities identified the three individuals as Magdalena Gomez-Garcia, Elias Gomez-Garcia and Eulalia Ordonez-Carmelo. Federal officials said all three were subject to final orders of removal from the United States.
Investigators allege that Magdalena Gomez-Garcia used the identity and Social Security number of a victim living in New York to obtain employment with a local company beginning in February 2026.
According to ICE, wages earned through that employment were reported under the victim’s name, creating complications that required the victim to repeatedly contact government agencies to correct her records and remove the falsely reported earnings.
“These crimes have real victims,” said Scott Ladwig, acting field office director for ICE New Orleans. “Fraudulent documents and stolen identities can cause lasting harm to victims, workers and businesses.”
Immigration Histories Detailed by Officials
Federal authorities also released information regarding the immigration histories of the three individuals.
Magdalena Gomez-Garcia
According to ICE, Gomez-Garcia was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Arizona in July 2018 and was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge. Officials said she later received a final order of removal in absentia in April 2019 after failing to appear.
Elias Gomez-Garcia
Federal officials said Elias Gomez-Garcia has been removed from the United States three times, in 2009, 2011 and 2018. ICE also noted he has a history of traffic-related arrests in Kentucky and South Carolina.
Eulalia Ordonez-Carmelo
According to ICE, Ordonez-Carmelo was encountered near the Rio Grande Valley in 2022 and was released on recognizance. An immigration judge later issued a final order of removal in February 2023.
Additional Charges Possible
Federal officials said the investigation remains ongoing and additional criminal charges could be filed as investigators continue reviewing evidence related to identity theft, Social Security fraud and immigration violations.
ICE officials emphasized that identity theft crimes can have long-lasting effects on victims, particularly when stolen personal information is used to obtain employment or government-related benefits.
No court dates or charging documents related to additional allegations had been announced as of Thursday.
