Special Investigations Agency


Migrants Targeted In Suspicious ID Scam
	An SIA undercover camera captured on video a sales presentation (pictured, left) to SIA Investigator Jose Orozco. The identification cards come with a seal, also called "legal identification card number" and the claim that Calle & Associates of El Cajon is the only company registered by the United States government to sell the ID's. "It's $800 total," Orozco explained after the pitch. "I have to pay $400 up front, and then $200 payments." The worst part about the whole thing is that the ID's are not worth the paper they are printed on.

	California law makes it illegal for a private company to sell any ID similar in size and form to one offered by the state. "They are claiming that it does have the state of California flag -- however the identification number that is on the card cannot be detected through the state or federal system." Is this a scam? Deputy Attorney General Al Shelden said that the company is pushing the envelope, but making a point not to break immigration laws. "There is no question that scams, and I will use that word, are aimed at the immigrant community," Shelden said.

	This is a community that can least afford to be victimized, Orozco said. "It makes me really mad, because you work so hard for your money," he said. Investigators from the DMV said that an international driver's license is not even required in the United States as long as the driver has a license from their native country. The investigators also said that the company could face charges of grand theft and making false and misleading statements. Anyone who feels that they have been the victim of a scam can call the Special Investigations Agency for assistance at: (619) 778-8433 or report it here!


SIA Exposes Woman Impersonating Herself As An INS Agent
	May 15, 1998 San Diego Woman Arrested on Charges of Impersonating a Federal Official and Exploiting Mexican Nationals

	Alan D. Bersin, United States Attorney for the Southern District of California, announced that Valerie Peña was arrested May 13 pursuant to a complaint filed in federal court charging her with defrauding undocumented immigrants by selling them phony immigration documents and, impersonating a federal officer. A search warrant was also executed today at Peña's residence at 3112 Newton Avenue, to search for evidence of criminal activity. Information surfaced regarding Valerie Pena as a result of an investigation led by Kevin LaChapelle of the Special Investigations Agency.

	According to Assistant U.S. Attorney, Amalia L. Meza, who is handling the government's prosecution, Peña was arrested as a result of civil rights task force investigation targeting a ring led by Peña engaged in widespread fraud of undocumented persons by impersonating federal law enforcement officers. The investigation has revealed that Peña and her associate defrauded at least 82 individuals and perhaps hundreds more since it started operating in approximately 1990.

	The task force investigation brought together multiple agencies: the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, the federal Bureau of Investigation and the IRS.

	"The formation of this task force explores the appropriate combination of sanctions and resources from various agencies necessary to target and reduce the exploitation and abuse of undocumented migrants," said the United States Attorney. "Just as we do not hesitate to prosecute aggressively those who violate our immigration laws, we want the public to know that we will prosecute to the full extent of the law those who take advantage of and seek to profit from the misfortune of undocumented migrants," Bersin added. "Let there be no misunderstanding —our aggressive enforcement of immigration laws does not give anyone a green light to take advantage of migrants who enter the United States illegally. The fact that an illegal is the victim will not shield the wrongdoer from criminal liability," he made clear.

	The complaint and supporting documents allege that this criminal activity came to the attention of federal authorities in July 1997 through a referral from Mexican Consul General Luis Herrera-Lasso. The Consul General reported that Mexican nationals were complaining that Peña falsely promised to legalize their status in return for payment. Peña typically charged the Mexican nationals $1,000 to file immigration applications and sometimes represented herself to be an employee of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. The Mexican Consul General provided a list of Mexican nationals who were defrauded and who agreed to assist U.S. authorities in the criminal investigation of Peña and others. In addition to these cooperators, investigators utilized two cooperating private individuals who meet with Peña in an undercover capacity. Through one of these cooperators, investigators were also able to introduce an undercover INS agent to Peña who posed as an undocumented immigrant seeking legalization. The United States Attorney acknowledges the full support and cooperation of the Mexican Consul General Luis Herrera-Lasso who served as an intermediary with Mexican nationals who were victimized by Peña and her associates. The investigation is continuing.

	Defendant was arrested on May 13, 1998 and will be arraigned before Magistrate Judge Larry Burn on May 13, 1998.