Illegal Alien Indicted for Identity Theft and Social Security Fraud Scheme

ALBUQUERQUE - A Mexican national has been indicted on federal charges after allegedly using fraudulent immigration and identification documents and another person's Social Security number to obtain bank accounts, vehicle financing, and consumer loans.

According to the indictment, on or about February 5, 2026, Maria de Jesus Avila-Hernandez, 55, a Mexican national illegally present in the United States, knowingly used and possessed fraudulent immigration and identification documents, including a lawful permanent resident card and Social Security card in the name of another person which she knew were forged or unlawfully obtained. She also falsely represented that Social Security number to obtain things of value, including bank accounts, vehicle financing, and consumer loans, and used that identity without lawful authority in connection with social security fraud.

Hernandez is charged with fraud and misuse of a visa, social security fraud and aggravated identity theft. She will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Hernandez faces up to 10 years in prison.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho of Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations - El Paso investigated this case with assistance from the Roswell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amos Nam is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.