Two Mexican citizens, Juan Francisco Reyna-Robles, 52, and Eugolio Araus Ocampo, 49, are in federal custody for charges related to conspiracies involving the forging of I-551 stamps as part of human smuggling activities. U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced the arrests.

Reyna-Robles is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga on Jan. 11 at 9:40 a.m. Ocampo has already made his appearance in federal court following a prior arrest.

The indictment, returned on Dec. 12, 2023, alleges that Reyna-Robles and Ocampo were involved in conspiracies dating back to 2022, focusing on forging and distributing I-551 stamps as part of a larger human smuggling scheme.

I-551 stamps, also known as “ADIT,” are issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on foreign passports as temporary evidence of permanent resident status. These stamps serve as proof for travel, identity verification, and employment authorization.

If convicted, both individuals could face up to five years for immigration document fraud conspiracy and up to 10 years for human smuggling charges. Additionally, substantial fines may be imposed upon them.

The investigation leading to the arrests was conducted by the DHS-Office of the Inspector General, with support from Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility, Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Webb County Constable’s Office – 2nd and 4th Precincts, and the Laredo Police Department.