Illegal alien admits to exploiting fraudulent U.S. citizenship to access restricted offshore oil platforms

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 52-year-old Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States in Brownsville has pleaded guilty to using a stolen identity to fraudulently obtain an official permit to access offshore oil platforms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.

Ezequiel Escamilla Martinez admitted he was born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and not a U.S. citizen born in Brownsville.

From Sept. 23, 2022, to Feb. 12, 2025, he used the false identity to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential card granting access to offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of America as well as a Texas driver's license and U.S. passport.

Martinez used the fraudulently obtained passport to cross the U.S.-Mexico border more than 80 times from 2024 through 2025.

"For years, Martinez deliberately exploited a fraudulent American identity to gain access to restricted offshore oil platforms, a U.S. passport, and a driver's license-privileges reserved for lawful residents of this country," said Marck. "This was a calculated scheme carried out with complete disregard for the American citizens whose livelihoods were put at risk and the security of our offshore facilities, which he had no legal right to enter. Those who abuse our immigration system to fraudulently obtain federal credentials and access our sensitive infrastructure will face the full force of federal prosecution in the Southern District of Texas"

"The Coast Guard Investigative Service remains steadfast in its mission to protect the integrity of critical infrastructure and uphold federal security regulations," said Special Agent in Charge Damon J. Youmans, CGIS. "Following a comprehensive investigation, CGIS agents apprehended the individual responsible for fraudulent activity involving access to a federally regulated facility. We are grateful for the collaboration of our partners at the Department of Justice throughout this process and look forward to the continued prosecution of these cases to ensure the security and safety of our nation's infrastructure."

Sentencing is set for or Aug. 26. At that time, Martinez faces up to eight years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

CGIS conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Laurence Goldman is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.