Two individuals in the United States illegally remain in custody
NEWPORT, Arkansas (January 24, 2025) – Two individuals in the United States illegally were recently arrested in Newport after providing fraudulent documents to the local Revenue Office. The fraudulent documents were provided in an attempt to illegally obtain state identification cards. Employees of the Newport Revenue Office recognized the documents may be fraudulent and contacted the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s (DFA) Investigative Division. DFA oversees the state’s 134 Revenue Offices.
DFA launched an investigation in coordination with the Newport Police Department, which resulted in the arrest of two people. The two were charged with felony forgery for attempting to obtain a state identification card with fraudulent documents. Proof of legal presence and residency must be provided to obtain a driver’s license or state identification card in Arkansas.
Following the arrests, which took place December 27, the two in custody provided false names to Newport Police. It was confirmed both were in the United States illegally. They were later interviewed by an agent with Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Division. They remain in custody at the Jackson County Jail, with Federal charges 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.”
Employees across all Revenue Offices will continue to take immediate action in response to any fraudulent document.
“These arrests serve as a warning to anyone considering fraud at a Revenue Office,” said DFA Secretary Jim 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.”
Employees across all Revenue Offices will continue to take immediate action in response to any fraudulent document.