Five Charged in Fake Immigration Law Firm Scam Targeting Migrants

On February 20, 2026, federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York announced charges against five individuals accused of operating a fake immigration law firm that allegedly scammed migrants by impersonating immigration judges, federal officers, and attorneys.

The defendants are stated by the U.S. Department of Justice to have been doing business as CM Bufete De Abogados Consultoria Migratoria, even though none of them were licensed lawyers. Officials indicate that the group mainly aimed at the Spanish-speaking immigrants via Facebook and other social sites and provided them guidance on immigration matters.

The defendants impersonated immigration judges and federal law enforcers, instead of offering legal services that would be considered legitimate. Prosecutors claim that they have made fake documents that have an official seal and staged videoconference court hearings to make victims believe they are dealing with the right attorneys. Services not provided to the victims were quoted at hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Investigators have identified more than $100,000 in fraudulent transactions so far, though officials believe the total losses may be higher. In at least one instance, a victim who was told their immigration case had been resolved missed a real court appearance and was later mistakenly ordered deported. That order was eventually reversed after authorities uncovered the alleged fraud.

Four of the defendants, Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez, Marlyn Yulitza Salazar Pineda, Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez, and Alexandra Rojas, were caught in New Jersey, including at Newark Liberty International Airport, where some of them were allegedly trying to board an airplane on a one-way ticket to Colombia. There is one defendant who is abroad.

Such charges consist of wire fraud, money laundering, and impersonation of U.S. officials. Some of the crimes have a maximum prison term of 20 years should any of these individuals be found guilty.

According to the authorities, the case demonstrates that immigration fraudsters may use fear, as well as confusion, as a means of exploiting immigration procedures. The group says that it has won the trust of those who are experiencing a complex legal system by drawing convincing documents and masquerading as government officials.

The police are also encouraging all persons who require immigration services to ensure that attorneys or representatives are properly licensed to accept their payments or personal information.