Illegal Alien Sentenced for Counterfeit Document Scheme in Michigan

Edgidio Vasquez-Mencho received 6 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to sell fake IDs to other undocumented immigrants.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Edgidio Vasquez-Mencho, a 41-year-old Guatemalan national illegally present in the United States, was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison for his role in a counterfeit document-selling scheme in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Vasquez-Mencho worked with two other Guatemalan nationals to provide false Social Security cards and permanent resident alien cards to other illegal aliens, enabling them to obtain employment and access public services.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of undocumented immigrants obtaining fraudulent documents to circumvent immigration laws and gain unlawful access to jobs and public benefits. It also demonstrates the efforts of federal authorities to crack down on these types of document fraud schemes that enable further illegal immigration.

The details

Vasquez-Mencho's role was primarily to deliver the counterfeit documents to purchasers and collect payments. He was convicted of conspiracy to transfer false identification documents. Vasquez-Mencho is not a first-time offender, as this was his third time being found illegally present in the U.S. After completing his 6-month sentence, he will be deported back to Guatemala.

  • In September 2025, a grand jury in Grand Rapids indicted Vasquez-Mencho, Norma Yanari Ayala, and Rigoberto Vasquez-Vasquez for the counterfeit document scheme.
  • On March 16, 2026, U.S. Attorney VerHey announced that Norma Ayala was sentenced to 8 months in federal prison for her role in the scam.

The players

Edgidio Vasquez-Mencho

A 41-year-old Guatemalan national illegally present in the United States who was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison for his role in a counterfeit document-selling scheme.

Norma Yanari Ayala

A 34-year-old Guatemalan national who was charged and sentenced to 8 months in federal prison for her role in the counterfeit document conspiracy.

Rigoberto Vasquez-Vasquez

A 42-year-old Guatemalan national who was indicted along with Vasquez-Mencho and Ayala for the counterfeit document scheme.

U.S. Attorney VerHey

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan who announced the sentencing of Vasquez-Mencho and Ayala.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Vasquez-Mencho deserved to be prosecuted and punished. It is bad enough that he has repeatedly violated our immigration laws by crossing the border without permission. Worse than that, once he got here, he operated an illegal document business that enabled others like him to obtain employment illegally and claim taxpayer-supported public services. This conduct must stop.”

— U.S. Attorney VerHey

What’s next

After completing his 6-month sentence, Vasquez-Mencho will be deported back to his native Guatemala.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to crack down on document fraud schemes that enable illegal immigration and the unlawful access to jobs and public services. It also highlights the recidivism issue of some undocumented immigrants who continue to violate U.S. immigration laws.