U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at O'Hare International Airport's International Mail Facility have seized 984 counterfeit driver's licenses from January 21 to 26. The interception coincides with the start of the Spring semester at many colleges, a period known for an increase in fake ID usage.
Officers discovered these counterfeit IDs hidden within laptop chargers, plastic mirrors, and jewelry boxes. These documents mimic legal identification but are not issued by any legitimate organization or government agency, making them invalid for official use in the United States.
"Counterfeit driver's licenses are used by young adults who have not yet reached the legal drinking age," stated LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations at the Chicago Field Office. She added that CBP's efforts help reduce underage alcohol purchases and potentially prevent related incidents such as accidents.
Only two entities, The American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to print international driver's licenses in the country. The confiscated IDs were identified as counterfeit due to their lack of fine line detail and inconsistent features with legitimate documents.
Sutton-Burke highlighted that motivations for acquiring fake IDs have shifted from mere access to bars towards more serious activities like identity theft and human trafficking. "Producing these documents without proper authorization and oversight is illegal," she said, emphasizing that such operations often fund organized crime.
CBP collaborates with its Fraudulent Document Analysis Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, and other federal agencies to tackle illicit activities associated with fake documentation. Their efforts include routine inspections on international flights to intercept narcotics, weapons, currency, prohibited agricultural products, counterfeit goods, and other illicit items across 328 international ports of entry.
CBP describes itself as America's frontline defense: the largest law enforcement organization in the nation and a global leader in unified border management. With over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting America on land, air, and sea while facilitating lawful travel and trade, CBP aims to enhance national security through innovation and collaboration.
