By Trendsetter Tribune 
BROOKLYN, NY — In one of the most brazen impersonation schemes in recent memory, federal prosecutors have charged five individuals for allegedly operating a fictitious law firm that staged “sham” immigration court proceedings to defraud vulnerable migrants. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, four of the defendants were arraigned in New Jersey after a coordinated sting operation prevented three of them from fleeing the country.
The group allegedly used judicial robes, law enforcement uniforms, and digital backgrounds of government offices to convince victims their immigration cases were being legally resolved while, in reality, they were stealing thousands of dollars.
The Operation: “CM Bufete de Abogados”
The defendants—primarily Colombian nationals—allegedly operated under the name CM Bufete de Abogados Consultoria Migratoria. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the scheme was designed to exploit the fear and desperation of immigrants navigating a tightening legal landscape.+1
- Social Media Traps: The group solicited “clients” primarily on Facebook, offering nonexistent legal advice and services.
- The Fees: Victims were charged anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars for “representation” that was entirely fraudulent.
- Sham Proceedings: To maintain the ruse, the group facilitated fake asylum interviews and court appearances via videoconference.
- The “Costume” Dept: In these virtual sessions, defendants wore judicial robes and law enforcement uniforms, appearing in front of backgrounds with agency seals and flags to impersonate immigration judges and CBP officers.
The Arrests: A Flight to Freedom Foiled
The Department of Justice (DOJ) moved to unseal the indictment on Friday, leading to a series of rapid arrests in New Jersey.
| Defendant | Role/Details | Arrest Location |
| Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez (25) | Sibling & Co-conspirator | Newark Airport (with 1-way ticket) |
| Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez (29) | Sibling & Co-conspirator | Newark Airport (with 1-way ticket) |
| Alexandra Patricia Sanchez Ramirez (38) | Sibling & Co-conspirator | Newark Airport (with 1-way ticket) |
| Marlyn Yulitza Salazar Pineda (24) | Co-conspirator | New Jersey Restaurant |
| Unnamed Fifth Defendant | Co-conspirator | At Large (Believed to be in Colombia) |
Devastating Consequences for Victims
Beyond the financial loss of over $100,000, the scam had life-altering legal impacts on the victims.
“The defendants demonstrated a complete and utter disregard for the potentially life-altering consequences… vulnerable individuals not only lost significant funds, but also missed their actual immigration court appearances.” — Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney, EDNY
- Deportations: At least one victim was ordered deported “in absentia” because they believed their case had been settled in the sham court and failed to show up for their real hearing. (Prosecutors noted this specific order has since been reversed).
- Identity Theft: During the fake hearings, the impersonators asked sensitive personal questions to harvest the victims’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
- Aggressive Extortion: When one victim realized the firm was fake, the group allegedly responded with aggressive messages and threats of immediate deportation unless more money was paid.
The Money Trail: Laundry to Colombia
Investigators tracked tens of thousands of dollars laundered from the U.S. to co-conspirators in Colombia. The four arrested defendants now face up to 20 years in prison on charges including wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering, and false impersonation of a U.S. officer.
Consumer Alert: Verifying Legal Help
Legal aid organizations have issued a fresh warning to immigrant communities following this indictment. They emphasize that no legitimate immigration judge will conduct a hearing via a Facebook-arranged private link, and government officials will never demand payment via wire transfer or cash app during a hearing.