A Mexican national was arrested on Friday after being accused of employing and housing at least a dozen illegal immigrants at Valley taco shops, according to the District of Arizona U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Blademir Angulo Audeves, 42, was detained at his house without incident on Tuesday. Three guns and hundreds of rounds were discovered at the home.
Because he did not have legal permission to be in the United States at the time of his arrest, he possessed a firearm and ammunition. In 2011, he had previously interacted with police while unlawfully in the country, and he returned to Mexico in 2021.
More about Mexican man accused of employing illegal immigrants
Angulo has at least 12 illegal immigrants working in his taco shops. Some stayed with him at his Laveen home, while others lived on 16th Avenue.
Several Mexican citizens who did not have legal authority to remain in the United States or to work were found at both residences and the taco shops.
The discovery of two illegal immigrants, one in February 2013 and the other in October 2024, preceded their return to Mexico.
Angulo’s first appearance in federal court was scheduled for Friday.
The investigation resulting in his arrest was part of the federal Operation Take Back America.
