Mexican couple sentenced for manufacturing, selling thousands of counterfeit IDs nationwide
TULSA, Okla. / February 2, 2026 — An investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Dallas uncovered a nationwide counterfeit document scheme resulting in the federal sentencing of two Mexican nationals who produced and sold thousands of fake IDs.
Karina Garcia-Salazar, 47, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to transfer identification documents and conspiracy to possess with intent to use or transfer five or more documents. Garcia-Salazar will also serve three years of supervised release following her imprisonment. She was ordered to forfeit $32,000 in U.S. currency and 45% of the proceeds from the sale of real property used in the offenses.
“Counterfeit IDs open the door to a range of criminal activity, from drug trafficking to identity theft. This sentencing sends a clear message: Those who manufacture and distribute fake documents will be found and prosecuted,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “Our special agents and partners worked tirelessly to shut down this operation and protect communities nationwide.”
Garcia-Salazar’s co-defendant, Jorge Augusto Prieto-Gamboa, 41, was sentenced in December 2025 to 15 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess five or more documents with intent to transfer.
Court documents show that from August 2020 until their arrests in February 2025, Garcia-Salazar and Prieto-Gamboa worked together to create and sell thousands of fraudulent immigration documents, including Social Security cards, lawful permanent resident cards, state driver’s licenses and foreign passports.
A search warrant executed at the couple’s Tulsa residence resulted in the seizure of at least 67 completed fake documents, more than 2,000 digital identification documents, and $32,000 in cash. Agents also recovered electronic devices, client ledgers, and evidence of nationwide distribution. Bank records showed the couple charged $120 to $150 per fake document.
The investigation further revealed that at least one identification document produced by the defendants was sold to an individual later convicted of smuggling and trafficking narcotics into the United States.
This case was investigated by HSI Tulsa with assistance from the Social Security Administration, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulsa Police Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough prosecuted the case.
This investigation was conducted as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative led by the Dallas Homeland Security Task Force to combat illegal immigration, dismantle transnational criminal organizations, and protect American communities.
Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)
