Federal authorities have arrested four individuals accused of operating a sophisticated immigration fraud scheme that allegedly targeted vulnerable migrants in New Jersey and New York by posing as attorneys and even federal immigration judges.

Prosecutors say the group ran a sham law firm that staged fake court proceedings, collected thousands of dollars from victims, and falsely claimed to resolve immigration cases — leaving some migrants unknowingly at risk of deportation.

According to federal officials in the Eastern District of New York, three siblings — Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez, 25; Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez, 29; and Alexandra Patricia Sanchez Ramirez, 38 — were arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport while allegedly attempting to board one-way flights to Colombia.

A fourth defendant, Marlyn Yulitza Salazar Pineda, 24, was arrested at a restaurant in New Jersey. A fifth individual named in the indictment remains outside U.S. custody.

Some of the defendants were reportedly in the United States under immigration parole, while another was present on a tourist visa.

How the Alleged Scheme Worked

Federal prosecutors allege the defendants operated a fake immigration law firm that:

• Advertised services primarily through Facebook

• Charged immigrants hundreds to thousands of dollars for legal representation

• Staged fraudulent video “court hearings”

• Impersonated immigration judges and federal officials

• Provided bogus documents claiming cases were resolved

Authorities say victims were led to believe their immigration matters had been successfully handled. In reality, some allegedly missed legitimate court deadlines. Prosecutors noted at least one case in which a victim received a real deportation order — later reversed — after relying on the fraudulent services.

Investigators estimate the scheme generated at least $100,000 in payments from victims.

Charges Filed

The defendants face multiple federal charges, including wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and false impersonation of a federal officer. If convicted, the charges carry the potential for significant prison sentences. Federal officials described the case as a deliberate exploitation of immigrants navigating a complex legal system. Immigration advocates often warn migrants to verify attorneys through state bar associations or accredited nonprofit organizations, as fraudulent “notario” and fake legal service scams have increased nationwide in recent years.

The case remains ongoing.

Sources

The Guardian — “US group allegedly ran fake law firm and court proceedings to scam immigrants” (Feb. 21, 2026)

Fox News — “Colombian nationals allegedly ran fake law firm, impersonated federal judges to defraud migrants out of $100K” (Feb. 21, 2026)

United States Department of Justice — Official indictment and charging documents, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York — Press release and court filings related to the arrests