Five Colombians Charged in Fake Immigration Court Scam

Defendants allegedly posed as lawyers, judges, and officials to defraud immigrants seeking legal help.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have charged five Colombian citizens with running a scam that targeted immigrants facing immigration proceedings. The defendants allegedly created a fake law firm and staged sham immigration court hearings, complete with phony lawyers, judges, and officials, in order to bilk victims out of hundreds to thousands of dollars for nonexistent legal services.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of immigrants navigating the complex U.S. immigration system, as well as the need for greater oversight and protections against fraud. Scams like this can have devastating consequences for victims, causing them to miss real court dates and even leading to deportation in some cases.

The details

According to the indictment, the defendants operated a fake law firm called CM Bufete De Abogados Consultoria Migratoria and lured immigrants, including those seeking asylum, through social media. They would then charge the victims fees for staged videoconference hearings that featured a veneer of legitimacy, including a robed judge and the American flag, but were completely fabricated. None of the individuals involved were actually lawyers or officials.

  • The scheme ran for more than two years, starting before President Trump took office in 2025.
  • Three defendants were arrested on February 20, 2026 as they tried to board a flight to Colombia.
  • A fourth defendant was arrested at a restaurant in New Jersey on the same day, while a fifth remains at large in Colombia.

The players

Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez

One of the three defendants arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport as they tried to flee to Colombia.

Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez

One of the three defendants arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport as they tried to flee to Colombia.

Alexandra Patricia Sanchez Ramirez

One of the three defendants arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport as they tried to flee to Colombia, and the person who allegedly recorded the earnings from the scheme.

Marlyn Yulitza Salazar Pineda

The fourth defendant, who was arrested at a restaurant in New Jersey.

CM Bufete De Abogados Consultoria Migratoria

The fake law firm the defendants used to lure immigrant victims.

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What they’re saying

“The defendants 'undermined the integrity of our immigration system by impersonating judges, law enforcement officers, and lawyers.'”

— Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York

What’s next

The four defendants in custody are scheduled to appear in federal court in Brooklyn on Saturday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater oversight and protections in the immigration system to prevent scams that exploit vulnerable immigrants. It also underscores the challenges faced by those navigating the complex legal process, and the importance of ensuring access to legitimate legal counsel.