A Cuban national named Ismer González has been taken into custody in Miami-Dade for practicing law without a license and orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that allegedly impacted at least 16 immigrants, resulting in losses exceeding $21,000. Alongside González, 45, and a resident of Miramar, Guatemalan pastor Nelson David Ochoa Vásquez, 46, was also arrested. Ochoa is the leader of the Church of God Jireh located in southwest Miami.
According to Local 10, both men face charges of organized fraud and second-degree grand theft. They are currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) with bonds set at $62,500 and $15,000, respectively.
The investigation, dubbed "Operation Stolen Dream" by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO), uncovered that Ochoa exploited his religious standing to earn the trust of immigrant congregants and introduced them to González. González falsely claimed to be an immigration attorney despite lacking the necessary credentials.
Most victims were vulnerable individuals seeking legal guidance for work permits or driver's licenses. They made payments in cash or via Zelle to an account linked to a company called “Brothers Multiservicio LLC.” However, the promised services were never delivered.
The money collected was reportedly diverted to luxury personal expenses, including purchases at high-end stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Versace, Fendi, and Bottega Veneta, as well as international travel to South American and European destinations, as per Telemundo 51.
The arrest report remarked, “The scheme was facilitated by exploiting the faith and trust of vulnerable victims who were merely seeking legitimate assistance.” Ochoa allegedly admitted to completing work permit forms and receiving payments on behalf of González, although his statements were found to have “numerous inconsistencies,” according to investigators.
The MDSO believes there could be additional victims and urges anyone affected by this scheme to come forward or anonymously contact the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers hotline at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
Authorities continue to investigate the case, requiring both detainees to prove that any funds used for their bail are from legitimate sources.
Deportations and Fear Under Trump's Policies
This case unfolds amid widespread fear among immigrants in the U.S., intensified by the aggressive deportation policies enforced during Donald Trump's second term. Within the initial 100 days, ICE deported over 65,000 undocumented immigrants. The crackdown includes revoking legal status granted by the humanitarian parole program, which protected hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans.
The new measures expedited deportations without prior hearings and even invoked old laws like the Alien Enemies Act to expel individuals without due process. Additionally, the Laken Riley Act was introduced, mandating immediate detention of undocumented immigrants accused of even minor offenses, expanding legal persecution.
Overall, nearly 550,000 Cubans are estimated to be at risk of deportation, either because they entered under parole without applying for the Cuban Adjustment Act or due to pending deportation orders, according to legal experts.
This heightened legal pressure and fear of raids have left many migrants without access to legitimate legal advice, increasing their vulnerability to scams like those perpetrated by González and Ochoa.
The Miami case highlights a link in the chain of insecurity facing immigrants under current immigration policies, where desperation leads to risky decisions and facilitates scammers posing as legal saviors in times of extreme vulnerability.
Understanding the Impact of Immigration Fraud
What were Ismer González and Nelson David Ochoa Vásquez charged with?
They were charged with organized fraud and second-degree grand theft for posing as a licensed immigration attorney and defrauding immigrants.
How did the fraudulent scheme operate?
The scheme involved using religious trust to introduce immigrants to González, who falsely promised legal services in exchange for payments that were never fulfilled.
What has been the broader impact of Trump's immigration policies?
Trump's policies have increased deportations and fear among immigrants, leading to a lack of legitimate legal resources and increased vulnerability to fraud.