Feds, Luna County Sheriff say ‘Islamic refugee’ report is false

"It's really unfortunate to our citizens that they have to endure that kind of fear"
 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) — A sensational report of a New Mexico sheriff’s deputy arresting an undocumented “Islamic refugee” who had gas pipeline plans with her as she crossed the desert near the border appears to be unfounded.
The report cited involvement by the FBI, U.S. Border Patrol and the Luna County Sheriff. Each of those law enforcement agencies told KRQE News 13 that there’s no evidence the incident ever happened.

Still, the article has been widely shared across social media since it was published Wednesday on the website of the conservative group Judicial Watch. The organization says it “promotes transparency, accountability and integrity in government, politics and the law.” After repeated calls and emails asking for comment, a spokesman for Judicial Watch said the group stands by its story.

Luna County Sheriff John Mooradian said officials from the U.S. Border Patrol called him Wednesday, asking if a deputy of his had made the arrest, as the article claimed. Mooradian checked with his patrol supervisor and confirmed none of his deputies made such a stop, let alone an arrest.
Mooradian said he’d likely be fielding calls from concerned people in Luna County who live near the 54-mile border with Mexico.

“Before putting out such an article that could put people in such an uproar, maybe they should confirm their stories,” Mooradian said. “…it’s really unfortunate to our citizens that they have to endure that kind of fear.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Doug Mosier, who works out of the agency’s El Paso office, told KRQE News 13 on Wednesday evening that the agency had “no information that would corroborate these allegations.”

Frank Fisher, a spokesman for the FBI in Albuquerque said on Thursday that agents look into all such reports, but that the Judicial Watch article “does not appear to be substantiated.”
Mooradian said he’d received several inquiries from other agencies, including the office of New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez. Press aides for Martinez did not return requests for comment from KRQE News 13.