Federal Charges Filed Against Phoenix Area Employer for Hiring Undocumented Workers

Prosecutors in Arizona have brought federal charges against a Phoenix-area employer for allegedly hiring undocumented workers. The owner, Blademir Angulo Audeves, a 42-year-old Mexican national, faces accusations of illegally possessing a firearm while being in the U.S. unlawfully.

On July 8, Angulo was arrested by special agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The investigation began in March, following claims that he was employing undocumented migrants at his Taqueria El Taco Loco restaurants and food trucks in the Phoenix area. According to the Arizona U.S. Attorney’s Office, at least 12 undocumented workers were found to be employed at various locations owned by Angulo.

During a search of his residences and business, agents reportedly found multiple undocumented individuals staying in two homes in the Phoenix area. Angulo was arrested at one of these locations, where agents discovered three firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition in the master bedroom closet.

According to records, Angulo first entered the U.S. illegally in 2011. He was subsequently allowed to leave voluntarily through the Nogales Port in May 2021, but officials believe he re-entered the country unlawfully at some point thereafter.

Under federal law, undocumented individuals are prohibited from purchasing or owning firearms. Additionally, during enforcement operations at Angulo’s restaurants, agents arrested two other undocumented migrants, Christian Sagaste Garcia and Jose Luis Amblis Colt, who faced charges related to illegal re-entry into the U.S. Both had previously been removed from the country in 2024 and 2013, respectively.

In court documents, one of Angulo’s employees alleged that he paid human smugglers exorbitant fees—up to $12,000 per person—to bring undocumented migrants into the U.S., although Angulo has denied these claims.