ICE raids N.C. fire equipment company in identity theft, illegal employment probe

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — Federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with other federal and local law enforcement agencies, executed a criminal search warrant on June 25 at Buckeye Fire Equipment Company in Kings Mountain.

Queen City News reported that the search warrant is part of a federal investigation into aggravated identity theft and potential violations related to employing individuals not legally authorized to work in the U.S.

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The operation, led by ICE, includes multiple agencies such as the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, Customs and Border Protection and Kings Mountain Police.

“KMPD’s role is limited to addressing any potential state charges that may arise as part of the investigation,” Kings Mountain Police said. “All inquiries regarding federal charges or other aspects of the investigation should be directed to Homeland Security Investigations.”

Records indicate that Buckeye Fire Equipment Company has held contracts with multiple agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Small Business Administration, according to Queen City News.

While no specifics were released regarding arrests, ICE spokesperson Lindsay Williams told Queen City News some individuals were detained.

“Allegations of identity theft are serious. No one wants their identity used by someone else to work or for other purposes; it’s a serious federal crime,” Williams said. “So far, about a dozen individuals have been detained, but that number may rise as the operation continues.”

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