Texas authorities said Wednesday they have arrested an illegal immigrant who had stolen the identity of a U.S. citizen child, resulting in the boy losing his Medicaid coverage.
State Attorney General Ken Paxton identified the migrant as Antonio De Jesus Moreno Escobar and said he used the identity of a 13-year-old boy from Hutto, near Austin, to work at seven different jobs over a three-year period.
When earnings from that work started showing up in government systems, the boy’s mother was told that his Medicaid coverage was being canceled because of his income.
“This case is a disturbing example of how illegal aliens drain our resources, hurt innocent Texans, and even deprive children of vital healthcare,” Mr. Paxton said in announcing the arrest.
He said Mr. Escobar bought an entire fake identity package, including a stolen Social Security number, a Texas identification card and a federal immigration green card, for $120.
Mr. Escobar is being held on a federal immigration detainer, Mr. Paxton said.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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