DENVER -- More than 100 workers from Denver International Airport are accused of lying on their security applications and now many may face deportation, 7NEWS reported.

The sweep was part of a national security investigation called Operation Safe Skies, and comes in response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Of the 110 workers who were indicted, 44 workers have been arrested so far, 7NEWS reported. Warrants are issued for 66 others.

Those arrested include a United Airlines pilot, three security workers, three ramp workers, and 21 food service employees.

The investigation centered on matching up information provided on security applications with existing Social Security information. Those who didn't make that cut were investigated further before being indicted for misusing Social Security numbers.

One of those arrested Tuesday says he was merely trying to provide for his family, who still lives back in Mexico.

Alfredo Hernandez, 28, is a cook at a McDonald's at DIA. He says federal agents asked him to step outside the restaurant Tuesday, told him that they wanted to see his papers, and then said he needed to come with them.

Hernandez won't say whether he's in this country illegally or whether he doctored his Social Security card.

He does say he was planning to bring his wife and child to Colorado soon.

Authorities don't have a whole lot of sympathy for his plight.

"Regardless of how you feel about immigration issues or whatever, the fact of the matter is we do not want people gaining access to secure areas as a result of fraudulent representation of documentation," said U.S. Attorney John Suthers.

Authorities say terrorism is one of several motives that would lead a person to use a phony Social Security card, although none of the airport workers named on Tuesday are suspected of terrorist-related crimes.

Officials also say offenders could be hiding criminal records or problems with child support or they could be trying to conceal their citizenship.

The United Airlines pilot who was accused of using a phony Social Security number to obtain a security pass at DIA is Joseph Maxwell Raulins, 59 (pictured, right), of Las Vegas. In May he was charged with two counts of sexual assault on a child.

Federal prosecutors speculated that Raulins was trying to hide his felony arrest in order to obtain a security pass.

Some of those indicted for providing a false Social Security number face additional charges including unlawful return of a removed alien, perjury, false statement and false claim of citizenship.

If convicted, they face up to five years in prison or deportation.

Denver International was the 19th airport to come under scrutiny in the national sweep. Eventually, workers at 429 commercial airports nationwide will be reviewed, DIA officials said.