Mexican man sentenced for using fraudulent immigration documents

GREAT FALLS - A Mexican man who used fake immigration documents was sentenced today to time served, 62 days, and remanded to the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.

Salvador Santiago-Lopez, 33, pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of use and possession of fraudulent immigration documents.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

The government alleged in court documents that on March 6, 2026, law enforcement stopped a car near Malta in which Salvador Santiago-Lopez was a passenger. During the stop, law enforcement discovered he is a Mexican citizen without papers to be in the United States legally.

Santiago-Lopez was informed of his Miranda rights, acknowledged understanding them, and continued to answer questions. He admitted to being a citizen and national of Mexico without legal documentation to enter, pass through, or remain in the United States. He further admitted to crossing the international boundary illegally without inspection by an Immigration Officer at a designated Port of Entry.

Santiago-Lopez claimed ownership over $18,000 of US currency found in his duffle bag and said the purpose of his travel was to borrow $12,000 from his brother in Washington so he would have $30,000 to pay to have his sister smuggled into the United States. Santiago-Lopez was found to be in possession of a fake social security card and a fake I-551 card. He said he used the fake documents to gain employment. Santiago-Lopez also acknowledged using the fake documents when he was arrested for DUI.

DHS records indicate that Santiago-Lopez entered the United States illegally on August 20, 2017.

The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Border Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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