KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — Homeland Security Investigation officials confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents went to a Kings Mountain fire equipment supplier Wednesday afternoon to serve federal criminal search warrants.
A viewer provided Channel 9 with photos of several enforcement officers inside Buckeye Fire Equipment Company on Kings Road.
An employer there is accused of using stolen IDs so undocumented people could be hired.
ICE spokesman Lindsay Williams said about a dozen people were detained when the warrant was related to allegations of identity theft and possible other federal crimes.
But that number could increase as the investigation continues.
HSI posted on X that, “HSI and law enforcement partners are executing a federal criminal search warrant today at Buckeye Fire Equipment in Kings Mountain, NC. There is no danger to the public. This is an active investigation—more details will be shared as they become available."
At least two people caught up in the investigation were handcuffed.
A witness inside told Channel 9 what he saw.
“Doing my job,” he said. “We were running orders, all of a sudden our managers came through and they said get up, go to the (cantina), and then we saw people come in with Kevlar come and tell us go to the (cantina) and it was just a big storm.”
Erik Pinon, another employee, described the scene as agents entered the building with guns drawn, instructing everyone to move to the front.
Pinon was among those detained, and he expressed feeling scared during the hour he was held.
Molly Donaldson arrived at the warehouse after receiving a text from her cousin, who was also working inside. Her cousin reported seeing officers everywhere upon returning from a lunch break, which caused concern among employees.
As the investigation proceeded inside, protesters gathered outside the warehouse, demanding the release of the detained employees.
“It’s not right, you know, people have rights,” said Donaldson, urging more people to take action.
People were separated in tents. An employee told Channel 9 he was given a blue armband that signified he was a U.S. citizen.
The Kings Mountain Police Department stated it’s assisting Homeland Security Investigations in the federal investigation.
Its role is limited to addressing possible state charges that come out of the investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
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