ICE investigation leads to 30 arrests at North Carolina fire equipment firm
Iain Hoey
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Federal ICE operation targets alleged identity theft at Kings Mountain site
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reported that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a federal search warrant on 25 June at Buckeye Fire Equipment Company in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, as part of an active criminal investigation.
The investigation centres on allegations of aggravated identity theft and other potential federal crimes.
ICE confirmed that 30 individuals were arrested onsite during the operation.
ICE stated that the arrests stemmed from suspected use of fraudulent documentation to employ people not authorised to work in the United States.
The company, which manufactures fire protection equipment, has not issued a statement.
Authorities say investigation remains active and further arrests are possible
According to ICE spokesperson Lindsay Williams, additional arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
Williams said during a press conference that questioning of employees was ongoing as of Wednesday evening.
Officials stated that some of the approximately 300 employees at the site had already undergone processing and were permitted to return home.
Homeland Security Investigations said the federal search was linked to documents that may have been used to secure employment for unauthorised workers.
It was not confirmed whether the documents were supplied by the company or external parties.
Kings Mountain Police Department confirmed they assisted with the federal warrant and would address any potential state charges if they arise.
HSI says operation part of broader effort to protect identity systems
Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge at HSI Charlotte, said: “This operation underscores HSI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our nation’s financial and identification systems.
“Identity fraud is not a victimless crime — it fuels a range of criminal activity and puts innocent people at risk.
“Working alongside our law enforcement partners, HSI will continue to pursue those who exploit these systems for personal gain and hold them accountable under federal law.”
HSI stated that the operation posed no threat to public safety.
Social media posts and local media coverage confirmed the presence of law enforcement at the Kings Road site, including video footage from inside a warehouse.
Charlotte region sees heightened ICE activity in recent months
The Carolina Migrant Network previously reported a rise in ICE enforcement actions in the Charlotte area, including near schools and public institutions.
In May, the group said ICE encounters had become more frequent, noting arrests outside an elementary and middle school and the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.
Parents from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district raised concerns about the psychological impact on children, referring to the incidents as “deeply disturbing.”
The organisation also stated that ICE agents were focusing on detaining men and that their operations appeared random.
Charlotte is home to a large Latino population.
Previous federal case unrelated to current search, ICE says
Media reports noted that a family member of Buckeye Fire Equipment Company’s leadership had been sentenced to federal prison in 2018 for tax-related offences.
There is no indication that this earlier case is connected to the current investigation.
ICE has not confirmed any formal charges for the individuals arrested as of 27 June.
Williams reiterated that the operation was part of an active federal investigation and that the agency would provide further updates as more information becomes available.
ICE operation leads to arrests at North Carolina fire equipment company: Summary
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported that 30 people were arrested on 25 June at Buckeye Fire Equipment Company.
The operation was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations.
A federal search warrant was executed at the company’s site in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.
The investigation relates to suspected identity theft and other possible federal offences.
ICE said fraudulent documents were allegedly used to employ unauthorised workers.
The company has not issued a public response.
Local police assisted with the federal warrant.
An ICE spokesperson said more arrests may follow.
Employees were questioned and some were allowed to leave after screening.
The business had approximately 300 employees onsite during the operation.
ICE said there was no risk to public safety.
Increased ICE activity has been reported in the Charlotte area in recent months.
Concerns have been raised by local advocacy groups and school communities.
There is no confirmed link between this operation and a prior tax case involving a family member of the firm’s leadership.
No charges have been formally announced.
ICE said the investigation remains ongoing.