Eilo Bernardo Gonzalez-Ramirez
Grand Forks County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Mexican national with past deportations and felony drug convictions was arrested on November 20 on federal immigration charges near Mayville State University.
According to a federal complaint, 46-year-old Eilo Bernardo Gonzalez-Ramirez faces charges of illegal reentry after removal and possession of fake immigration documents.
Surveillance Operation Leads to Arrest
Agents had been watching a route between Grand Forks and Mayville used by workers heading to job sites. On November 17, they saw a pickup with Texas plates. Records showed it belonged to Gonzalez-Ramirez.
He had prior removals and a felony conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Agents later saw the vehicle at a construction site on November 18 and 19.
The arrest happened the morning of November 20. When agents approached and asked his name, he replied with an expletive. They recognized him from earlier checks.
Criminal and Immigration History
Gonzalez-Ramirez was convicted in 2011 of money laundering and a felony drug crime. He served 46 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release.
He was removed from the country in 2014. He was removed again in 2017 after an illegal reentry conviction that led to a 21-month sentence.
Fake Documents Found
Agents searching his truck found fake permanent resident cards and a fake Social Security card. The cards had his photo but lacked the required security features.
He told agents he bought the fake documents at a Houston flea market. He used them to get work with several employers in North Dakota. He also said he entered the country near Roma, Texas, without a legal check.
Gonzalez-Ramirez is held at the Grand Forks County Jail.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: https://www.ice.gov
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U.S. District Court – North Dakota: https://www.ndd.uscourts.gov
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Mayville State University: https://www.mayvillestate.edu
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U.S. Border Patrol: https://www.cbp.gov
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.