Feds crush California illegal migrants in pre-dawn raid after busting scam ripping off taxpayers

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-10-01 14:45:13 | Updated at 2026-10-01 22:23:58 8 hours ago

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Federal agents sought five alleged illegal migrants wanted for credit fraud in Orange County and Long Beach Thursday morning, capturing one man who almost made a surprise getaway in his car.

The California Post was there as agents armed with drones and guns swarmed Abel Ávila Martínez, 48, of Buena Park, a Mexican national who previously was removed from the US in 1999 and allegedly used fake social security numbers to run up thousands in bogus debt.

The feds used high-flying drones to secretly track him as he exited his home before dawn and walked about a quarter mile to a car parked in his quiet Orange County neighborhood.

Abel Ávila Martínez, 48, of Buena Park, a Mexican national who previously was removed from the US in 1999. Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post

He allegedly used fake social security numbers to run up thousands in bogus debt. Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post

About 20 agents in tactical pounced on Ávila Martínez as he entered the vehicle and prepared to drive away, rushing to block his car with unmarked cars of their own and calling for him to surrender.

“Put your hands up and don’t move,” called one agent as the fed suddenly blasted Ávila Martínez with searchlights and pointed their guns his way. He complied, raising both arms as agents approached his vehicle and placed him in handcuffs.

Ávila Martínez is charged with using fake social security numbers to fraudulently apply for credit at retailers and online payment services, racking up at least $15,964 in debt for purchases he made using the fake ID numbers, according to court papers.

He filed for bankruptcy in May of last year in an attempt to discharge the debt – and admitted in his court filing to using a phony social security number to apply for the credit, alerting the feds to his scam.

The feds used high-flying drones to secretly track him as he exited his home before dawn and walked about a quarter mile to a car parked in his quiet Orange County neighborhood. Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post

Ávila Martínez was one of at least three alleged illegal migrants arrested in the wide-ranging takedown base in investigations that in the case of each suspect were triggered by the use of a phony social security number.

“This sweep resulted in the arrest of illegal aliens charged with stealing Americans’ Social Security numbers to obtain credit, run up debt, and then seek to erase over $140,000 through bankruptcy,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli.

“These defendants allegedly exploited both our financial system and the bankruptcy process,” he added.

Each of those charged face up to 15 years in federal prison.