Steve Cortes, President of the League of American Workers, has expressed concerns over undocumented immigrants in Phoenix involved in document fraud. He described these individuals as criminals and called for stronger protections for borders, workers, and the country. His remarks were made during an interview.
“Citizenship is sacred,” said Cortes. “Illegals forging documents aren’t dreamers; they’re criminals. Protect the border. Protect the worker. Protect America.”
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents in Phoenix have arrested 11 undocumented immigrants on charges related to document fraud and making false claims of U.S. citizenship. The accused allegedly used counterfeit driver’s licenses, state IDs, and Social Security cards to secure employment at various businesses across Arizona. ICE emphasized that the charges include possession of fraudulent identification documents and false attestation on employment verification forms, underscoring the agency’s focus on worksite enforcement in the Phoenix area.
The Department of Justice released a statement indicating that those arrested face felony charges such as “Possession of Identification Document to Defraud the United States,” “Possession of Identification Document Produced Without Lawful Authority,” and “False Attestation for Employment Eligibility Verification.” The use of counterfeit state identification and Social Security cards by all defendants highlights the seriousness of document and benefit fraud within immigration enforcement efforts. These charges illustrate a broader strategy targeting identity fraud as a means to deter illegal immigration and prevent misuse of employment systems.
Federal News Network reports that by 2025, more than half of federal workforce reductions nationally will come from three agencies: Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security. The latter includes agencies like HSI and ICE. The report suggests that any rhetoric advocating for “firing legions of bureaucrats” could disproportionately affect agencies involved in immigration enforcement and document fraud operations.
Cortes is recognized as a prominent advocate for “patriotic populism” and pro-worker policies. He uses research and media engagement to promote on-shoring, worker-focused economics, and Main Street prosperity. Before founding the League of American Workers (LAW), he served as a senior advisor and spokesman for Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He has also appeared as a commentator on networks such as CNBC, Fox News, and CNN.
