Auburn Restaurateur Arrested in Federal Sweep Targeting Pandemic Fraud and Immigration Violations

July 17, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL. – Federal authorities arrested Auburn restaurateur Cesar Campos-Reyes this week following a multi-county enforcement operation targeting COVID-19 relief fraud and immigration-related offenses. The arrest, part of the Justice Department's sweeping Operation Take Back America, marks one of the most significant crackdowns of its kind in Alabama.

Campos-Reyes, 52, surrendered to federal agents the evening of July 15, hours after coordinated raids were carried out across six counties. The indictment includes four counts of bank fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering, all tied to alleged misuse of $225,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the pandemic.

Ties to Local Restaurant Empire

Campos-Reyes is listed as owner or agent for several Mexican eateries throughout Alabama, including:

- El Patron Mexican Grill (Prattville & Wetumpka)

- El Jefe Mexican Cuisine (Auburn)

- Mariachis Mexican Grill

- El Rey de Todos Mexican Grill

Though some businesses-most notably El Jefe-have issued statements distancing themselves from Campos-Reyes, federal agents targeted these establishments while executing 14 search warrants in counties including Lee, Macon, Autauga, Crenshaw, Elmore, and Baldwin.

Multi-Agency Raids Yield Firearms, Narcotics, and Cash

Agents recovered:

- $100,000 in cash

- 20 firearms

- Distribution-level quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, crack, and assorted pills

Authorities also detained over 40 undocumented individuals, some of whom now face deportation or further investigation. The operation involved agencies including:

- FBI

- DEA

- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

- ICE

- ATF

- U.S. Marshals Service

- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)

- Local departments in Auburn, Opelika, Prattville, and Wetumpka

"This is allegedly a transnational, organized entity that has committed this activity," said Steven Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI. "This operation was about dismantling a criminal ecosystem-one that profits off exploitation and circumvention of law."

Allegations of Financial and Immigration Crimes

Prosecutors say Campos-Reyes fraudulently obtained pandemic relief funds using fabricated payroll data, redirected money for personal gain, and maintained illegal labor practices. Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson said the charges stem from a years-long investigation into financial misconduct and immigration offenses.

If convicted, Campos-Reyes faces up to 30 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. The case is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle R. Turner and John J. Geer III. Three others were also arrested during the raids for charges including harboring undocumented immigrants and narcotics distribution.

Local Shockwaves and Broader Impact

The raids sent shockwaves through Alabama communities where Campos-Reyes's restaurants were well known. Witnesses reported heavily armed officers surrounding eateries during business hours.

"All I could think about was how scared those employees must have been," said Trinity Alexander, a college student who witnessed a raid in Opelika.

Community reactions have ranged from alarm to empathy. Immigrant advocacy groups are demanding transparency and legal protections for those detained, while law enforcement officials emphasize that the raids targeted criminal networks-not law-abiding immigrants.

"This reflects our commitment to protecting financial systems and holding bad actors accountable," said FBI Special Agent Sara Jones.

Operation Take Back America: A Strategic Pivot

Launched in 2024, Operation Take Back America targets organized financial crimes tied to undocumented labor and cross-border trafficking. The Campos-Reyes case suggests a shift in federal priorities-from isolated fraud cases to systemic criminal enterprises.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and further indictments could follow. Officials encourage citizens with information to contact FBI or ICE tip lines.

As Alabama grapples with the fallout, the arrest may stand as a watershed moment in how federal enforcement agencies handle the convergence of pandemic-era fraud and immigration oversight.