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A Cuban citizen identified as Ismer González was arrested in Miami-Dade for practicing law without a license and participating in a fraud scheme that, according to authorities, affected at least 16 immigrants and caused losses of over $21,000.
Alongside González, 45 years old and a resident of Miramar, the Guatemalan pastor Nelson David Ochoa Vásquez, 46 years old, leader of the Church of God Jireh located in the southwest of Miami, was also arrested.
According to Local 10, both are facing charges of organized fraud and second-degree grand theft, and they are being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) with bail set at $62,500 and $15,000, respectively.
According to the report from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO), the investigation—called "Operation Stolen Dream"—revealed that the pastor used his religious position to gain the trust of immigrant parishioners and introduce them to González, who posed as an immigration lawyer despite not being licensed to practice.
The victims, mostly vulnerable individuals seeking legal advice to obtain work permits or driver's licenses, made payments in cash or via Zelle transfers to an account linked to a company called "Brothers Multiservicio LLC." However, they never received the promised services.
The funds raised are said to have been diverted to personal luxury expenses, including purchases at stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Versace, Fendi, and Bottega Veneta, as well as international trips to destinations in South America and Europe, according to a report from Telemundo 51.
"The scheme was made possible by exploiting the faith and trust of vulnerable victims who were simply seeking legitimate help," stated the arrest report. Ochoa reportedly admitted to having completed work permit applications and having received payments on behalf of González, although his statements contained "multiple irregularities," according to the agents.
The MDSO suspects that there may be more victims, and urges anyone who has been affected by this scheme to come forward to the authorities or to contact the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 305-471-TIPS (8477).
The authorities continue to investigate the case, while both detainees must demonstrate that any money used to pay the bail comes from legitimate sources.
Deportations and fear under Trump's policies
This case occurs within a widespread climate of fear among immigrants in the U.S., especially following the aggressive deportation policies implemented by the second administration of Donald Trump.
In the first 100 days, ICE deported over 65,000 undocumented immigrants. The offensive includes the revocation of the legal status granted by the humanitarian parole program, which protected hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans, and Nicaraguans.
The new measures have allowed for the acceleration of deportations without prior hearings, and even to use old laws like the Foreign Enemies Act to expel individuals without access to a proper judicial process. The so-called Laken Riley Act was also approved, which mandates the immediate detention of undocumented immigrants accused even of minor offenses, broadening legal prosecution.
In total, it is estimated that nearly 550,000 Cubans are at risk of deportation, either because they entered under parole without applying for the Cuban Adjustment Act, or because they have pending deportation orders, according to the legal community.
This legal pressure and the fear of raids have left many migrants vulnerable and without access to legitimate advice, increasing their risk of falling victim to frauds like those perpetrated by González and Ochoa.
The case in Miami highlights a link in the chain of insecurity that immigrants face under the current immigration policy, where desperation accelerates risky decisions and makes it easier for scammers to present themselves as legal saviors in moments of utmost vulnerability.
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