Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) – Federal authorities say a Fargo man is facing multiple charges after a dramatic arrest by U.S. Border Patrol agents earlier this week.
According to court filings in U.S. District Court, Jose Cadena-Velasquez, 49, has been charged with possession of false immigration documents, use of a false Social Security number, and assaulting or resisting a federal officer.
The case began in mid-May when a tipster told agents that Cadena was living in the United States illegally, had a history of domestic violence, and was using fraudulent documents to gain employment. Investigators later confirmed that an alien registration number and Social Security number linked to Cadena actually belonged to other individuals.
Border Patrol agents conducted surveillance at Cadena’s Fargo residence and at his workplace, Wild Bill’s Saloon, where he had been employed for several years.
On Monday, August 18, agents attempted a traffic stop near Ninth Avenue South in Fargo. Court records say Cadena refused repeated commands to exit his vehicle. After he locked the doors, agents broke a window and attempted to remove him. Officials reported it took four agents and officers to restrain Cadena due to his physical resistance.
At Border Patrol headquarters, investigators confirmed with an employee at Wild Bill’s that Cadena had used fraudulent documents to gain employment.
According to filings, Cadena is a citizen of Mexico and has no record of lawful entry into the United States.
North Dakota civil court records show Cadena has been involved in a custody dispute with a Bismarck woman, who obtained a restraining order against him last year, citing domestic violence concerns. That order expires on August 22.
Cadena made his initial appearance in federal court on Thursday. Prosecutors say a separate process will determine whether he is removed or deported from the U.S.
For more information about federal immigration law and enforcement, visit the U.S. Department of Justice.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Fargo Man Accused of Fraud, Resisting by Border Patrol