NEWARK, N.J. — Four Colombian nationals face federal charges after authorities accused them of operating a fake law firm that impersonated immigration judges and federal agents to scam vulnerable migrants out of more than $100,000. The arrests, which took place this week at Newark Liberty International Airport and a local restaurant, highlight the growing risks faced by immigrants navigating the U.S. legal system amid a backlog of cases.
Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York say the scheme targeted migrants seeking help with immigration matters, luring them in through social media ads and then staging phony court proceedings over video calls. The defendants allegedly posed as lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officers, charging fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars for services that never materialized. According to court documents, victims received fake documents and believed their cases were resolved, leading some to miss actual immigration hearings.
Three of the suspects — siblings Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez, 25, Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez, 29, and Alexandra Patricia Sanchez Ramirez, 38 — were apprehended at Newark Airport on Tuesday, each holding one-way tickets to Colombia. The fourth, Marlyn Yulitza Salazar Pineda, 24, was taken into custody at a restaurant in nearby Union City the same day. A fifth individual named in the indictment remains at large and outside U.S. custody, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Federal authorities described the operation as sophisticated and brazen. "The defendants brazenly stole their victims’ money and deceived them by sending fictitious documents and holding sham court proceedings," said Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, in a statement released following the arrests. Court filings include blurred screenshots from two such virtual "proceedings," showing participants in what appeared to be official settings.
The group is said to have run the fictitious firm primarily through Facebook, posting solicitations for immigration assistance. Once hooked, clients were allegedly told their cases required urgent fees for filings, hearings, or appeals that didn't exist. Investigators have traced over $100,000 in fraudulent wire transfers from victims to the defendants and associates in Colombia, where the money was laundered, prosecutors allege.
One particularly heartbreaking consequence involved a victim who, relying on the fake resolution, skipped a real immigration court date and was subsequently ordered deported. That order was later reversed after the scheme came to light, but not before causing significant distress, according to officials. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized that such fraud exploits the desperation of migrants already burdened by language barriers and complex legal processes.
The defendants' immigration statuses add another layer to the case. Daniela and Jhoan Sanchez Ramirez, along with Marlyn Salazar Pineda, entered the U.S. as immigration parolees, while Alexandra Sanchez Ramirez was here on a tourist visa, the prosecutor's office said. None of the suspects has entered a plea yet, and their arraignments are scheduled for later this week in federal court in Brooklyn.
All five individuals face multiple felony counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and two counts of false impersonation of a U.S. officer or employee. If convicted, they could face decades in prison and substantial fines. The indictment, partially unsealed on Wednesday, details how the operation spanned several months, preying on undocumented immigrants and those with pending asylum or adjustment applications.
Immigration experts note that scams like this are not uncommon in communities with high numbers of newcomers. The American Immigration Lawyers Association has long warned about fraudulent notarios — unlicensed consultants posing as legal experts — who target Spanish-speaking populations. In this case, the use of videoconferencing to mimic official proceedings marks a modern twist on an old problem, allowing scammers to operate remotely and evade detection longer.
Authorities became aware of the scheme through tips from affected victims and routine monitoring of financial transactions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations led the probe, with assistance from local law enforcement in New Jersey. "These predators took advantage of people who are already vulnerable, turning their hopes for a better life into financial ruin," Nocella added in his statement.
While the primary victims appear to be migrants from Latin America, the exact number affected remains under investigation. Prosecutors have identified at least a dozen direct transactions totaling over $100,000, but believe the total losses could be higher as more victims come forward. Community organizations in the New York area, such as the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, have reported a spike in similar complaints over the past year, linking it to increased migration flows.
The arrests come at a time when the U.S. immigration court system is overwhelmed, with more than 3 million cases pending nationwide, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. Delays can stretch for years, making quick-fix promises from fraudsters especially appealing. Officials urge immigrants to verify legal services through accredited sources like the Department of Justice's list of recognized organizations.
In response to the bust, immigration advocacy groups called for better education and protections. "This is a wake-up call for all of us to support real legal aid for immigrants, not these criminal enterprises," said Maria Gonzalez, executive director of a Newark-based nonprofit assisting migrants, in an interview. She noted that many victims are too afraid of authorities to report scams, perpetuating the cycle.
Looking ahead, the case could shed light on transnational fraud networks. Prosecutors mentioned coconspirators in Colombia who benefited from the laundered funds, suggesting possible international cooperation in future arrests. The U.S. Attorney's Office plans to seek extradition for the fugitive defendant and is encouraging additional victims to contact a dedicated tip line.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this incident underscores the perils of the immigration process in America. For the families defrauded, recovery may be slow, but the takedown of the fake firm offers a measure of justice and a cautionary tale for others seeking the American dream.