News Summary
Blademir Angulo Audeves, owner of El Taco Loko in Phoenix, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to employing undocumented workers and possessing unregistered firearms. The investigation revealed he employed at least 12 undocumented immigrants and facilitated their illegal entry into the U.S. Angulo faces significant penalties, with sentencing scheduled for October 28. This case highlights ongoing issues of undocumented immigration in the restaurant industry, raising concerns around labor practices and regulatory enforcement.
Phoenix – Blademir Angulo Audeves, a 42-year-old Phoenix taco restaurant owner, has pleaded guilty to federal charges for employing undocumented workers and possessing unregistered firearms. Angulo, the owner of El Taco Loko located at 67th Avenue and Indian School Road, was implicated in a federal investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations that uncovered his illegal employment practices and weapon ownership.
The investigation revealed that Angulo employed at least 12 undocumented immigrants at his restaurant and other taco operations, which include a taco trailer in Laveen and a taco bus in Maricopa. He allegedly took part in a scheme to facilitate the illegal entry of some employees into the United States, charging as much as $12,000 per person for this service.
Angulo was arrested in July following a four-month investigation. Federal agents conducted searches of his residences and discovered three firearms along with a substantial amount of ammunition. It was determined that Angulo was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his illegal immigration status, which made the possession of these weapons a significant issue in his case.
As part of his guilty plea, Angulo admitted to one count of “alien in possession of a firearm,” which could carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to one count of “knowingly employing unauthorized aliens,” which is punishable by a maximum of six months in prison for each unauthorized worker. The legal ramifications of his actions include the potential for fines that could reach $3,000 for each undocumented individual employed at his establishments.
Sentencing for Audeves has been scheduled for October 28. Given that he has pleaded guilty, there is some uncertainty regarding the severity of the penalties he will face, which may be less severe than the maximums outlined in the charges against him.
Background on the Case
Federal investigations into employment practices among restaurant owners have become increasingly common, particularly in industries that typically rely on a labor force comprising many undocumented workers. The illegal employment of migrants offers significant challenges to law enforcement and regulatory bodies as they work to ensure labor laws and immigration regulations are upheld.
Angulo’s case highlights continuous issues regarding undocumented immigration and the hardships faced by individuals seeking employment in the United States. The fines and sentences associated with employing undocumented workers serve as a deterrent intended to discourage similar activities among employers in the region.
With immigration and labor laws at the forefront of political debate, cases like Angulo’s may draw attention to larger discussions about how to handle unauthorized employment practices. It remains to be seen how subsequent legal proceedings may unfold as authorities continue to navigate these complex issues.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Phoenix Taco Shop Owner Pleads Guilty
- 12 News: Valley Taco Shop Owner Pleads Guilty
- AZ Central: Taqueria El Taco Loko
- AZ Central: Filiberto’s Reopening
- Phoenix New Times: Best Tacos in Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Illegal Immigration in the United States
- Google Search: Immigration Law Enforcement
- Google Scholar: Employment of Undocumented Workers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Google News: Undocumented Worker Employers
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
