Marcialito Benitez/Philippines/Fraud

Marcialito Benitez, 41, a citizen of the Philippines, was arrested by ERO New Orleans following a federal investigation into immigration-related fraud. Benitez has a criminal history that includes a conviction for conspiracy to commit marriage fraud as well as immigration document fraud. These charges stem from a scheme in which Benitez entered into a fraudulent marriage with a U.S. citizen in order to obtain lawful immigration benefits.

Court records reveal that Benitez and a co-conspirator falsely claimed to be in a bona fide marital relationship while knowingly submitting fraudulent documentation to U.S. immigration authorities. This included fabricated evidence of shared residence, joint finances, and sworn affidavits. During the investigation, agents uncovered multiple inconsistencies and obtained communications that confirmed the arrangement was made solely to circumvent U.S. immigration laws.

In addition to marriage fraud, Benitez was also charged with immigration document fraud after submitting altered and forged government paperwork as part of the application process. These acts are considered federal offenses and fall under aggravated felonies in the context of immigration enforcement.

Following his conviction, Benitez was taken into ICE custody and is currently detained pending removal proceedings. As a convicted fraud offender with no lawful immigration status, he will face a hearing before an immigration judge to determine the outcome of his case.