Bluffton, September 27, 2025
News Summary
In a recent operation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), five foreign nationals were arrested in Bluffton for identity fraud and employment violations. The individuals, employed at O’Hara Outdoors, were charged with using false identities to gain employment. They allegedly worked around 550 hours and earned between $10,000 and $15,000. The arrests were part of an ICE enforcement program, involving collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to monitor unlawful employment practices in the area.
Bluffton, South Carolina—Five foreign nationals were arrested for identity fraud and employment violations by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in a recent operation. The arrests occurred in Beaufort County, specifically in Bluffton, where the individuals were employed at O’Hara Outdoors, a local landscaping company.
The individuals arrested included Francisco Ramirez Santiago, 43, Pablo Ramirez Santiago, 46, Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon, 53, Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez, 28, and Jose Moreno Romero, 56. All five men were charged with identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement. They were processed at the Beaufort County Detention Center and are currently being held under an ICE hold, which may result in their transfer to federal custody after their criminal charges are resolved.
In total, the five men were reported to have worked approximately 550 hours at O’Hara Outdoors, earning between $10,000 and $15,000 in taxable wages. This operation was conducted as part of ongoing enforcement efforts under the ICE’s 287(g) program, allowing local law enforcement to assist in federal immigration law enforcement.
The arrest operation was a cooperative effort involving SLED, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, which managed traffic during the event. Surveillance drones were also utilized to monitor the situation effectively.
While reports had speculated on the involvement of ICE prior to the arrests, warrants and press releases from SLED did not confirm ICE’s participation at the onset. The operation initially took place at Southern Marsh Nursery in Bluffton, with subsequent activities extending to Hilton Head Island later in the day. A representative from O’Hara Outdoors declined to comment on the charges against their employees.
The case will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. As details continue to emerge, the focus remains on the implications of identity fraud and employment violations involving unlawfully present foreign nationals in the area.
FAQ Section
Who were the individuals arrested?
The five men arrested are Francisco Ramirez Santiago, 43, Pablo Ramirez Santiago, 46, Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon, 53, Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez, 28, and Jose Moreno Romero, 56.
What were they charged with?
All five men were charged with “identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement.”
Where did the arrests take place?
The arrests took place in Beaufort County, Bluffton, South Carolina.
What company were the individuals employed by?
The men were employed at O’Hara Outdoors, a landscaping company in Bluffton.
How many hours had the men worked, and what were their earnings?
The men were alleged to have worked roughly 550 hours and earned between $10,000 and $15,000 in taxable wages.
Which agencies participated in the operation?
The operation was a joint effort between SLED, ICE, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
What was the role of law enforcement during the operation?
Law enforcement utilized drones for surveillance during the operation.
What will happen next?
The case will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and each man remains in custody under an ICE hold.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Arrests | Bluffton, South Carolina, Beaufort County |
| Arrested Individuals | Five men: Francisco Ramirez Santiago, Pablo Ramirez Santiago, Arelio Saul Galicia De Leon, Erick Alfons Clavel Gonzalez, Jose Moreno Romero |
| Charges | Identity fraud to obtain employment or avoid detection by law enforcement |
| Employment | O’Hara Outdoors landscaping company |
| Hours Worked | Roughly 550 hours |
| Earnings | Between $10,000 and $15,000 |
| Conducting Agencies | SLED, ICE, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office |
| Surveillance Method | Drones |
| Next Steps | Prosecution by 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
- WLTX: Foreign Nationals Arrested in Beaufort County
- Island Packet: Arrests Made for Identity Fraud in Bluffton
- Post and Courier: SLED Immigration Arrests in Beaufort County
- Wikipedia: Immigration Enforcement in the United States
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.
