Mexican national arrested, accused of employing illegal immigrants at Valley taco shops

PHOENIX — A Mexican national accused of employing at least a dozen illegal immigrants at Valley taco shops and housing them was arrested, the District of Arizona for the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Friday.

Blademir Angulo Audeves, 42, was detained without incident at his home on Tuesday. Three firearms and hundreds of rounds were among the items found at the home.

Because he did not have legal permission to be in the U.S. at the time of his arrest, the firearm and ammunition possession was illegal. He had a previous exchange with authorities in 2011 when he was in the country illegally, and he had returned to Mexico in 2021.

More about Mexican man accused of employing illegal immigrants

There were at least 12 illegal immigrants working at taco shops for Angulo. Some lived with him at his Laveen residence and others lived at a 16th Avenue residence.

Several Mexican citizens without legal permission to be in the U.S. or employed were encountered at both residences, as well as in the taco shops.

Two of the illegal immigrants encountered had been previously sent home, including one who was sent back to Mexico in February 2013 and one in October 2024.

Angulo’s first federal court appearance was scheduled for Friday.

The investigation resulting in his arrest was part of the federal Operation Take Back America.

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