Key Takeaways
• Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra, 24, arrested May 19, 2025, for posing as 16-year-old student in Ohio.
• He used a forged Venezuelan birth certificate to enroll; ICE issued detainer for possible deportation.
• Involvement of Melfred family highlights risks in guardianship and school enrollment verification processes.
A Venezuelan man, Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra, was arrested on May 19, 2025, after authorities discovered he had posed as a 16-year-old student to enroll in Perrysburg High School in Ohio. This unusual case has raised serious questions about immigration status, document forgery, and the safety of students in American schools. The story has drawn national attention, not only because of the deception involved but also due to the broader implications for school security and immigration enforcement.
Who Is Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra?
Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra is a 24-year-old Venezuelan man who entered the United States 🇺🇸 in March 2020. According to the Department of Homeland Security, he overstayed his visa, making him an undocumented immigrant. Labrador-Sierra’s actions came to light after he spent more than a year living as a high school student, participating in classes and extracurricular activities, and even living with a local family who believed he was a teenager in need.
How Did the Forgery Happen?
The case began in November 2023, when Labrador-Sierra contacted Perrysburg Schools. He claimed to be a 16-year-old immigrant from Venezuela 🇻🇪, homeless, and a victim of human trafficking. During the enrollment process, he presented a Venezuelan birth certificate showing a birthdate of December 2, 2007. This document, later determined to be forged, allowed him to enroll as a minor.
He started attending Perrysburg High School on January 19, 2024. Over the next several months, he integrated into the school community, joining the junior varsity soccer and swim teams and making friends among his classmates.
Timeline of Key Events
To better understand the sequence of events, here’s a breakdown:
- March 24, 2020: Labrador-Sierra enters the United States 🇺🇸 on a work visa.
- Visa Expiration: His work visa expires, but he remains in the country, making him an “overstay.”
- November 2023: Contacts Perrysburg Schools, claims to be a homeless teen from Venezuela.
- January 2024: Enrolls at Perrysburg High School using a forged birth certificate.
- March 21, 2024: Begins living with the Melfred family, who later become his legal guardians.
- Later in 2024: The Melfreds help him obtain a social security number and an Ohio driver’s license.
- May 14, 2025: The Melfreds are contacted by Evelyn Camacho, who claims Labrador-Sierra is actually 24 and the father of her child. She provides evidence, including a driver’s license and photos.
- May 19, 2025: Labrador-Sierra is arrested on forgery charges.
- May 20, 2025: ICE issues a detainer to keep him in custody for possible deportation.
The Role of the Melfred Family
The Melfred family, known for hosting exchange students and adopting children, agreed to house Labrador-Sierra after being contacted by school officials. They were told he was a vulnerable immigrant teen needing a safe home. The family went so far as to obtain permanent guardianship through the Wood County Common Pleas Court Juvenile Division. They also helped him secure a social security number and an Ohio driver’s license.
The Melfreds’ involvement highlights how well-meaning families can be drawn into complex situations when immigration status and identity are misrepresented. They acted quickly and responsibly when they learned the truth, contacting both the school and law enforcement.
Discovery and Arrest
The unraveling of Labrador-Sierra’s story began when Evelyn Camacho reached out to the Melfreds. She claimed to be the mother of his child and provided a photo of his driver’s license, which listed his real birthdate as March 27, 2001. She also shared Facebook photos showing Labrador-Sierra with her and their child.
Upon receiving this information, the Melfreds immediately alerted school officials and the police. Law enforcement, with help from federal partners, verified the evidence. They confirmed that the documents used for school enrollment were forged and that Labrador-Sierra was indeed 24 years old.
He was arrested on May 19, 2025, while riding in a vehicle on Interstate 75. He was charged with forgery and booked into the Wood County Jail. Prosecutors argued that he was a flight risk, and the judge set his bond at $50,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 29, 2025.
Immigration Status and ICE Involvement
After his arrest, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer against Labrador-Sierra. This means that even if he is released from local custody, he will remain detained for possible removal from the United States 🇺🇸. ICE identified him as “a 24-year-old illegal alien from Venezuela.”
According to the U.S. Border Patrol, Labrador-Sierra’s work visa had expired, and he had been living in the country without legal status since 2020. His attempt to enroll in high school came after his visa expired, suggesting a deliberate effort to avoid detection and remain in the U.S.
For more information on how ICE detainers work, readers can visit the official ICE detainer page.
School and Community Response
Perrysburg High School officials have reported the incident to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, since Labrador-Sierra participated in junior varsity sports. The school district is reviewing its enrollment procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Parents and community members have expressed concern about how an adult could enroll in a school meant for minors. The case has prompted discussions about the need for stronger verification of student identities, especially for those claiming to be unaccompanied minors or victims of trafficking.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
Labrador-Sierra has pleaded not guilty to felony forgery charges. During his court appearance, he stated, “A lot of those accusations are false. I really haven’t hurt anybody.” The judge informed him that he would be appointed an attorney.
If convicted, Labrador-Sierra faces serious consequences:
- Felony conviction for forgery, which can carry significant prison time.
- Deportation: As a non-citizen with a criminal conviction, he could be removed from the United States 🇺🇸.
- Bar from re-entry: A forgery conviction may make him ineligible to return to the U.S. for many years.
The prosecutor emphasized that Labrador-Sierra’s actions involved multiple layers of deception, including falsifying documents to enroll in school and obtain guardianship and government identification.
Official Statements
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, made a strong statement:
“Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra is a 24-year-old illegal alien from Venezuela who has been posing as teenager and attending Perrysburg High School in Ohio. Labrador was arrested and charged with forgery by the Perrysburg Ohio Police Department on May 19 for using fake documents to become enrolled in the high school. ICE lodged a detainer to ensure that this criminal illegal alien is removed from this community and no longer able to prey on the students of Perrysburg High School. It is disturbing that a grown man would impersonate a teenager and infiltrate the lives of underage girls and boys to fool them into doing God knows what.”
This statement reflects the seriousness with which federal authorities view the case, especially regarding the safety of minors and the integrity of immigration and school systems.
Security and Policy Implications
This case has exposed vulnerabilities in the way schools verify the identities of students, especially those who claim to be immigrants or victims of trafficking. While schools are required to provide education to all children, including undocumented immigrants, they also have a responsibility to protect students from potential harm.
Key concerns raised include:
- Verification of foreign documents: Schools often rely on documents that are difficult to authenticate, especially from countries with less reliable record-keeping.
- Guardianship and foster care: Well-meaning families may be misled by false stories and become involved in legal and immigration issues.
- Participation in sports and activities: Adults posing as minors can create unfair advantages and potential safety risks.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases like this are rare but highlight the need for better coordination between schools, local authorities, and federal immigration agencies.
Real-World Examples and Broader Context
While this case is unusual, it is not entirely unique. There have been other instances in the United States 🇺🇸 where adults have posed as minors to enroll in high schools, sometimes to relive their youth, escape difficult situations, or, in rare cases, for more sinister reasons.
For example, in 2018, a 25-year-old woman in Texas was arrested after posing as a high school student for months. These cases often come to light when someone recognizes the individual or when inconsistencies in paperwork are discovered.
What Can Schools and Families Do?
To prevent similar incidents, schools and families can take several steps:
- Carefully review all documents provided by new students, especially those from foreign countries.
- Consult with immigration authorities or legal experts if there are doubts about a student’s identity.
- Establish clear procedures for reporting concerns about student identity or safety.
- Educate staff and host families about the risks of document forgery and the importance of verification.
For families considering hosting or becoming guardians for immigrant children, it’s important to work closely with schools, social services, and, when appropriate, immigration attorneys. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides information on legal requirements and processes for guardianship and sponsorship.
The Human Side: Impact on Students and Community
The students and staff at Perrysburg High School have been left shocked by the revelation that a classmate was, in fact, an adult. Some students may feel betrayed or unsafe, while others may be confused about how such a situation could occur. The Melfred family, who opened their home out of kindness, now faces the emotional and legal fallout of having been deceived.
This case serves as a reminder that immigration issues are not just about laws and policies—they affect real people, families, and communities. It also shows the importance of balancing compassion for immigrants with the need for due diligence and safety.
Conclusion: Lessons and Next Steps
The arrest of Anthony Emmanuel Labrador-Sierra, a Venezuelan man who used forgery to enroll in an Ohio high school, has exposed gaps in school enrollment procedures and highlighted the challenges of verifying the identities of immigrant students. The case underscores the importance of:
- Stronger document verification for school enrollment
- Better communication between schools, families, and immigration authorities
- Awareness and training for staff and host families
As the legal process continues, schools across the country may review their own policies to prevent similar incidents. For families and students, the case is a cautionary tale about the risks of document forgery and the importance of honesty in the immigration process.
For more detailed information on immigration enforcement and school enrollment, readers can consult the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and stay updated through trusted sources like VisaVerge.com.
Key Takeaway: While most immigrants seek a better life through legal means, cases like this show why careful verification and community vigilance are essential for everyone’s safety and well-being.
Learn Today
Forgery → The criminal act of falsifying documents with intent to deceive authorities or individuals.
ICE Detainer → A notice issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold a person for possible deportation.
Overstay → Remaining in a country beyond the expiration date of a visa without lawful permission.
Guardianship → Legal responsibility granted to a person or family to care for a minor or vulnerable individual.
Visa Expiration → The date when a visa is no longer valid, requiring departure or extension to stay legally.
This Article in a Nutshell
A 24-year-old Venezuelan man posed as a teenager to attend Perrysburg High School in Ohio using forged documents. Authorities arrested him for forgery in May 2025. This exposes challenges in verifying immigrant student identities and emphasizes the need for stronger school safety and immigration enforcement policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
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