Two individuals in the United States illegally were arrested in Newport after attempting to use fraudulent documents to obtain state identification cards, according to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
The arrests followed an investigation launched by DFA’s Investigative Division in coordination with the Newport Police Department. Employees at the Newport Revenue Office flagged the documents as potentially fraudulent, prompting the investigation. Both individuals were charged with felony forgery.
Authorities say the two provided false names to police but were later confirmed to be in the U.S. illegally. They were interviewed by an agent with Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Division and remain in custody at the Jackson County Jail. Federal charges are pending.
“The message these arrests send is clear: Arkansas will not tolerate anyone trying to abuse state documents to reside illegally in the United States,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.“I’m grateful for the DFA staff and federal and local law enforcement who took quick action to prevent this crime.”
DFA Secretary Jim Hudson praised the Revenue Office employees for recognizing the fraud and taking action.
“These arrests serve as a warning to anyone considering fraud at a Revenue Office,” said Hudson. “State-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards play an important role in public safety, and DFA will not tolerate fraud at any level. We will work with our partners in law enforcement to ensure it is pursued and prosecuted. I’m grateful to our employees for recognizing these documents and taking action. I also appreciate the work of the Newport Police and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
The DFA oversees all 134 Revenue Offices in Arkansas, which require proof of legal presence and residency to issue state identification.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. And catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
