Justin D. Whatcott Acting United States Attorney for the District of Idaho | Department of Justice
Lina Marcela Ospina Isaza, a 24-year-old from Bucaramanga, Colombia, was sentenced to approximately two months of time served for the false use of a social security number. Acting U.S. Attorney Justin D. Whatcott announced the sentencing in Boise. U.S. District Court Judge Amanda K. Brailsford waived fines and special assessments due to Isaza's probable deportation after her guilty plea on June 10, 2025.
Court records reveal that Isaza entered the United States illegally near Otay Mesa, California, on December 1, 2023. She admitted to crossing the border without inspection by an immigration officer but was released pending an immigration hearing under an "Order of Recognizance." Though instructed to update her address if she moved, Isaza relocated to Boise instead and obtained fraudulent identification documents.
In April 2024, Isaza used a fake social security card and legal permanent resident card to secure employment at a Boise hotel. She later changed jobs in May 2024 using the same fraudulent documents.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott praised Homeland Security Investigations for their role in bringing charges against Isaza. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Nafzger.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, aiming to combat illegal immigration and related criminal activities across the nation.
Isaza is among eight recent indictments in Idaho involving undocumented individuals using false documentation for employment in Boise businesses. The Department of Homeland Security continues inspecting I-9 forms to detect such frauds. Using a false social security number is a felony with penalties up to five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
For employers, new civil penalties were implemented on January 2, 2025, under the Immigration Reform and Control Act for hiring unauthorized aliens.
