Mexican couple arrested for selling fraudulent identity documents

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A married couple, illegally in the United States, remain in federal custody after special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested them Wednesday on criminal complaints charging them with selling fraudulent identity documents.

Carlos Chico-Salcedo, 40, and his wife, Juana Marin-Sandoval, 45, both Mexican nationals, made their initial appearances in federal court Thursday.

According to the criminal complaints, in March 2013, Chico-Salcedo and Marin-Sandoval allegedly sold fraudulent documents to HSI agents who were working undercover.

The defendants allegedly sold a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent permanent resident alien card (aka "green card") to the agents for $150. The transaction allegedly occurred inside Albuquerque Soccer City, a business located in southwest Albuquerque owned by Chico-Salcedo, and at which Marin-Sandoval was employed.

If they are convicted, Chico-Salcedo and Marin-Sandoval each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and would be deported after they complete their prison sentences.

Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was investigated by HSI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman Cairns, District of New Mexico.