News Summary
Five men were arrested in Bluffton, South Carolina, for identity fraud after using others’ Social Security numbers to secure employment. The arrests were part of a joint operation by ICE and SLED, revealing that the suspects worked over 500 hours under fraudulent identities. They face serious felony charges and remain in custody as investigations continue into broader identity fraud schemes in the area.
Bluffton, South Carolina – Five men were arrested on Thursday during a joint operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The suspects were reportedly engaged in identity fraud by using others’ Social Security numbers to gain employment and were found to lack legal residency in the United States.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Francisco Ramirez Santiago, 43, Pablo Ramirez Santiago, 46, both of Bluffton; Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon, 53, of Hardeeville; Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez, 28, also of Hardeeville; and Jose Moreno Romero, 56, of Bluffton. Each of these suspects faces serious felony charges of “identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement,” which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The arrests took place at Southern Marsh Nursery on May River Road, a site commonly visited by local landscapers. Law enforcement utilized drones to assist in the operation, which not only began in Bluffton but also moved to Hilton Head Island later that day. According to charging documents, the suspects were employed by a landscaping company known as O’Hara Outdoors.
The investigation revealed that three of the suspects had been using Social Security numbers belonging to other residents, whereas two suspects relied on fabricated Social Security numbers. These individuals worked over 500 hours each under these fraudulent identities and earned taxable wages ranging from $10,021.50 to $14,594.14.
As of 5 p.m. on Friday, all five men remained in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center. They have been placed under an ICE hold, which enables immigration agents to transfer them into federal custody within 48 hours after their criminal charges are settled.
This operation was part of a collaborative effort under ICE’s 287(g) program, which trains non-federal officers to enforce federal immigration laws. SLED has been a pioneering agency in South Carolina in participating in this program. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office supported the operation by managing traffic and assisting during the service of the warrants.
The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office is expected to prosecute the case. The owner of Southern Marsh Nursery acknowledged that while the operation primarily focused on a laydown yard used by local landscapers, he did not witness any of the arrests personally.
Representatives from both ICE and SLED were not available for immediate comment on the operation and subsequent arrests. This incident underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat identity fraud and ensure compliance with immigration laws in the region.
This joint operation highlights the significant role that local law enforcement can play in federal immigration enforcement, aiming to uphold the law and address fraudulent practices within communities.
The investigation continues as authorities work to gather more information regarding the extent of the operations conducted by the suspects and any additional individuals potentially involved in identity fraud schemes in the area. Local residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: ICE Operation in Bluffton
- Island Packet: Identity Fraud Charges in Bluffton
- WSAV: ICE and SLED Operation Arrests
- Post and Courier: Immigration Arrests in Beaufort County
- Bluffton Today: No Kings Protest in Bluffton
- Wikipedia: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Google Search: Identity Fraud
- Google Scholar: Immigration Law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Identity Theft
- Google News: Immigration Enforcement
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
