Rigoberto Vasquez-Vasquez, a 43-year-old citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced to eight months in prison for conspiracy to transfer false identification documents, according to an April 7 announcement by U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address the production and distribution of fraudulent identity documents within immigrant communities. Such schemes can impact employment verification processes and access to services intended for citizens and lawful immigrants.
Vasquez-Vasquez is the third defendant convicted in a scheme involving Guatemalans who were illegally present in the United States. The group advertised, manufactured, and sold fake Social Security cards, Permanent Resident cards, and other false identification documents to individuals also residing unlawfully in the Grand Rapids area during 2024 and 2025. According to prosecutors, the conspirators received payments for these counterfeit documents while recipients used them for employment or service access.
During his arrest on September 30, 2025, agents executed a search warrant at Vasquez-Vasquez’s residence in Grand Rapids. Authorities seized multiple electronic devices as well as fraudulent identification cards and Guatemalan passports.
Upon completion of his sentence, Vasquez-Vasquez will be transferred into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody for removal proceedings. U.S. Attorney VerHey said, “Rigoberto Vasquez-Vasquez unlawfully entered the United States more than 20 years ago and has been unlawfully present ever since. He doubled down on his criminal behavior by working in a fraudulent identity document business once he got here. This kind of lawless behavior will not be tolerated.”
Homeland Security Investigations Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey commented on the sentencing: "This sentencing sends a clear message: Homeland Security Investigations will aggressively pursue and dismantle criminal organizations that traffic in fraudulent identification documents and exploit our immigration system," he said. "We remain steadfast in our mission to protect our communities, uphold the integrity of our nation’s laws, and ensure that those who undermine public safety face the full consequences of their actions." The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations’ Grand Rapids office with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Daniels.
The investigation was conducted under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative established through Executive Order 14159—aimed at combating illegal immigration-related crimes.
