⏱ 2 min read
Salvador Santiago-Lopez, a 33-year-old Mexican man, was caught using fake immigration documents during a traffic stop near Malta, Montana, on March 6, 2026. He admitted to being in the US illegally and crossing the border without inspection. Santiago-Lopez claimed he was traveling to borrow money from his brother to pay for his sister’s smuggling into the US. He was found with $18,000 and fake identification documents, including a social security card and an I-551 card, which he used to gain employment and after a DUI arrest.
Santiago-Lopez pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of use and possession of fraudulent immigration documents. Chief US District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the case, which was prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office and investigated by the US Border Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office.
Santiago-Lopez was sentenced to time served, 62 days, and remanded to the custody of the US Border Patrol. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to combat illegal immigration.
The US Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies are cracking down on immigration fraud and other crimes related to illegal immigration. This case highlights the importance of verifying immigration documents and the consequences of using fake ones.
Related Federal Cases
- Luis Alberto Vega-Lili, Use or Possession of a Fraudulent Immigration Document, California 2025 · Georgia
- Frank Banks, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Montana 2024 · Texas
- Luis Alberto Vega-Lili, Immigration Document Forgery, Montana 2025 · North Carolina
- Mack Harris, Gun Possession, Montana 2023 · Texas
- Mack Edward Harris, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Montana 2023 · Texas
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Montana
- Location: MT
- Source: DOJ Press Release
