Blademir Angulo Audeves, a 42-year-old Mexican national, was arrested on July 8 in Phoenix, Arizona. He faces charges including harboring illegal aliens, knowingly employing unauthorized aliens, improper entry by an alien, and being an alien in possession of a firearm. Angulo is set to make his initial appearance in federal court today.
The case began with an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in March 2025 into allegations that Angulo employed illegal aliens at his taco restaurants in the Phoenix area. The investigation revealed at least 12 illegal workers, some residing at Angulo's home in Laveen or another residence on 16th Avenue.
On July 8, HSI executed search warrants at these locations and found several Mexican citizens without legal status. During the operation, agents discovered three firearms and ammunition at Angulo's residence. Records show that Angulo had previously left the U.S. voluntarily via Nogales, Arizona in May 2021 after being encountered by authorities for illegal presence in 2011.
Two individuals encountered during the operation, Christian Sagaste-Garcia and Jose Luis Ambriz-Cortes, were also arrested and charged with re-entry of a removed alien. Both had been previously deported from the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. The investigation is led by Homeland Security Investigations with prosecution handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
"A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct," it was noted. "All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
