Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Bluffton Operation

Bluffton, September 27, 2025

News Summary

In Bluffton, five Hispanic men were arrested for identity fraud during a joint operation involving ICE and SLED. They face felony charges for using fraudulent Social Security numbers to gain employment at a local landscaping company. Each man could face up to 10 years in prison. The operation has raised questions about local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration policies and community concerns regarding identity fraud.

Bluffton – Five individuals were arrested in Bluffton for identity fraud during a joint operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The operation took place on Thursday morning behind Southern Marsh Nursery in the Pritchardsville area, involving approximately 15 law enforcement vehicles and a drone overhead.

All five arrested are Hispanic men: Francisco Ramirez Santiago (43), Pablo Ramirez Santiago (46), Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon (53), Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez (28), and Jose Moreno Romero (56). They all reside in Bluffton or Hardeeville. Each man is facing one felony charge of identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement. This charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

The suspects are accused of using fraudulent Social Security numbers to secure employment with the Bluffton landscaping company O’Hara Outdoors. Charging documents reveal that three of the suspects utilized Social Security numbers belonging to other residents, while two secured wages under fabricated numbers. Each suspect reportedly worked over 500 hours, earning taxable wages ranging from $10,021.50 to $14,594.14.

An ICE spokesperson confirmed that the five men would be taken into ICE custody after their criminal charges have been resolved. The operation involved participation from several law enforcement agencies, including the Bluffton Police Department and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

In previous inquiries, SLED and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office signed agreements with ICE to participate in the 287(g) program, which allows certain local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. This operation has drawn local scrutiny regarding Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s decision to join the program and the methods used in such law enforcement actions.

Public commentary in earlier meetings reflected significant community involvement, with residents expressing concerns over immigration enforcement. Following the arrests, there was no immediate comment from SLED, and a representative from O’Hara Outdoors declined to discuss the charges against their employees.

Background Context

Identity fraud, particularly in the context of obtaining employment, has become a significant concern across many communities. The implications of such fraud extend beyond legal issues to impact local economies and the integrity of employment practices. The 287(g) program under ICE permits local law enforcement agencies to perform specific immigration enforcement duties, thereby intertwining local policing with federal immigration policies. This connection has often raised public concerns and led to debates over the appropriateness of such actions in community contexts.

Key Facts About the Operation

• Number of Arrests: Five individuals
• Charges: Identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement.
• Potential Sentence: Up to 10 years in prison
• Location of Arrest: Southern Marsh Nursery, Bluffton
• Employers: O’Hara Outdoors
• Wage Range: $10,021.50 to $14,594.14
• Law Enforcement Agencies Involved: ICE, SLED, Bluffton Police Department, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Beaufort County
Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Bluffton, SC
Joint Immigration Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests in Bluffton
Five Arrested in Bluffton for Identity Fraud
Five Arrested for Identity Fraud in Bluffton, SC

Additional Resources

• WTOC: Five Foreign Nationals Charged with Identity Fraud in Bluffton
• Island Packet: Identity Fraud Arrests in Bluffton
• Bluffton Today: Operation Safe Drive in Bluffton
• Post and Courier: Jury Acquits Bluffton Police in Misconduct Case
• Wikipedia: Identity Fraud

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.