Michael P. Drescher Acting United States Attorney for the District of Vermont | U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
Jose Ignacio De La Cruz De La Rosa, also known as “Nacho,” was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 19 for allegedly conspiring to bring aliens into the United States and producing fraudulent identity documents, according to an announcement from the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont on Mar. 26.
The indictment is significant because it alleges a multi-year conspiracy involving illegal entry into the country and fraudulent identification practices, which authorities say threaten public safety and undermine immigration laws.
De La Cruz De La Rosa, age 30 and recently residing in Burlington, Vermont, was arrested by federal agents in the morning and is scheduled for an initial appearance before Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss. The U.S. government has filed a motion seeking his detention until trial. Two other defendants have also been charged but their identities remain sealed.
According to court records cited in the release, De La Cruz De La Rosa allegedly helped renew Vermont driver’s privilege cards for individuals living outside Vermont and took learner’s tests on behalf of others as part of a scheme that reportedly paid him $500 per card. The indictment includes charges related to both alien smuggling and document fraud over several years.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt said: “The nine-count indictment alleges that between November of 2022 and June of 2025, De La Cruz De La Rosa smuggled people across international borders and fraudulently obtained Vermont identification documents for people living outside Vermont.” Ophardt continued: “These are serious criminal offenses. I am grateful for the careful and thorough investigation conducted by our law enforcement partners.”
If convicted, De La Cruz De La Rosa faces up to fifteen years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of three years; sentencing would be determined by district court guidelines if there is a conviction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker; defense representation is provided by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, described as a nationwide initiative utilizing Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration activities.
