ICE Raid at Burnstein von Seelen Precision Castings Uncovers Fake-ID Conspiracy

Dozens of federal and local officers raided Burnstein von Seelen Precision Castings in Abbeville, South Carolina, on Wednesday. ICE detained 48 workers on alleged immigration violations, while the plant’s manager and human-resources director were arrested for knowingly hiring undocumented workers. A state grand jury also indicted four individuals for producing counterfeit U.S. and state IDs.

UsNews and World ReportSouth Carolina probe into fake IDs leads to ICE detention of 48 immigrants; 6 other people indicted

State officials launched the probe in October 2024 after local police complained of limited federal action on false-ID and identity-theft cases under the Biden administration. The investigation gained federal support after President Donald Trump took office, prompting ICE to join the effort.

South Carolina probe into fake IDs leads to ICE detention of 48 immigrants; 6 other people indicted

Key participants include Attorney General Alan Wilson, who leads the state prosecution; ICE, reviewing detainees’ immigration histories; the plant manager and HR director, charged with conspiracy; prosecutor Creighton Waters; and ACLU of South Carolina director Jace Woodrum.

South Carolina probe into fake IDs leads to ICE detention of 48 immigrants; 6 other people indicted

Authorities detained 48 immigrant workers and indicted six people—two plant managers and four alleged counterfeit-ID producers. Burnstein von Seelen, founded in 1985, employs copper, brass and bronze casting in Abbeville County, about 90 miles west of Columbia.

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Attorney General Wilson said the raid targets a coordinated scheme to steal identities rather than merely low-level employers. ICE confirmed it is reviewing each detainee’s immigration record, noting some have prior ICE encounters. The ACLU of South Carolina requested additional information about the workers’ detention.

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The ACLU warned that similar actions in other states have led to serious infringements of civil rights regardless of immigration status, emphasizing the humanitarian impact on families separated by the detentions.

South Carolina probe into fake IDs leads to ICE detention of 48 immigrants; 6 other people indicted

It is unclear whether the two plant managers have secured legal counsel, and authorities have not set a timeline for any further arrests.

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• “We want to send a message that this isn’t about going after people who are trying to feed their family,” — Alan Wilson, South Carolina Attorney General

South Carolina probe into fake IDs leads to ICE detention of 48 immigrants; 6 other people indicted

• “This isn’t going after companies or businesses who unknowingly hiring illegal. This is about going after something much larger, you know, a conspiracy of people around South Carolina to steal identities, to create fake Social Security cards, fake driver’s license, fake immigration documents.” — Alan Wilson

South Carolina probe into fake IDs leads to ICE detention of 48 immigrants; 6 other people indicted

• “The bottom line is that these employees showed up for work, and many of them will not be able to return home to their families,” — Jace Woodrum, Executive Director, ACLU of South Carolina

South Carolina probe into fake IDs leads to ICE detention of 48 immigrants; 6 other people indicted

• “Officials approached the investigation in ways similar to drug probes, said prosecutor Creighton Waters, pursuing not just the people using the phony documentation but those supplying it.” — Creighton Waters, prosecutor

South Carolina probe into fake IDs leads to ICE detention of 48 immigrants; 6 other people indicted

The plant manager and HR director are slated to appear at the Richland County Courthouse in Columbia Thursday, while the investigation remains open to further arrests.

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