MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — More than 20 people were charged and taken into federal custody after a series of raids at McAllen businesses Thursday, according to criminal complaints obtained by ValleyCentral.

Federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations executed search warrants at Cardenas General Merchandise, Jem’s Textil Recycling LLC and Trebol De Oro, records show.

Pedro Quintero Cardenas, the owner and manager of Cardenas General Merchandise, reportedly told agents he employed 12 unauthorized workers, all of whom were later charged with fraud or misuse of tourist visas.

Two employees of Trebol De Oro and eight employees of Jem’s Textil Recycling LLC were also charged with a form of visa fraud after their managers identified them as employees to agents.

In most cases, w

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