Politics · United States · 3 hrs ago
Six charged in alleged Massachusetts marriage fraud scheme
Federal prosecutors charged six people in an alleged marriage fraud scheme in Massachusetts.
Prosecutors say Jennifer Gonzalez organized sham marriages between immigrants and US citizens for more than a decade.
The operation allegedly arranged about 18 to 20 fraudulent marriages a year and made more than $6 million.
The marriages were allegedly sold to help immigrants get green cards, or permanent resident cards, and potentially US citizenship.
Prosecutors say some clients were charged $38,000 to $40,000, and the case comes amid a wider immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.
The investigation is continuing, and prosecutors say it could lead to more charges against people who obtained legal status through the scheme.
Federal prosecutors charged six people with allegedly arranging hundreds of sham marriages in Massachusetts to help immigrants unlawfully obtain green cards and potential US citizenship.
Prosecutors say the operation ran for about 12 years and generated more than $6 million in profits.
Jennifer Gonzalez, 43, is accused of organizing the scheme and is charged with harboring immigrants living illegally in the US and marriage fraud.
The alleged marriages cost between $38,000 and $40,000, and the operation averaged about 18 to 20 a year, according to a criminal complaint.
The investigation is ongoing, and prosecutors said it could lead to further charges.
- Who
- Six people, including alleged organizer Jennifer Gonzalez, were charged.
- What
- They are accused of participating in a scheme to arrange sham marriages to help immigrants unlawfully obtain green cards and potential US citizenship.
- When
- Federal prosecutors announced the charges on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
- Where
- Massachusetts.
- Why
- Prosecutors say the marriages were arranged to help immigrants unlawfully obtain legal status in the US and to make money.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Prosecutors say the alleged marriage fraud operation began and continued for about 12 years.
Gonzalez allegedly told a cooperating witness that the business had become more difficult after Donald Trump returned to office.
Federal prosecutors charged six people in connection with the alleged scheme.
- People charged
- 6
- Alleged organizer
- Jennifer Gonzalez, 43
- Duration
- About 12 years
- Annual marriages
- About 18 to 20
- Cost per marriage
- $38,000 to $40,000
- Alleged profits
- More than $6 million
4 sources
اتهام ستة أشخاص بإدارة شبكة زواج صوري في أمريكا رتّبت 200 حفل وجمعت ملايين الدولارات
US charges six people in alleged Massachusetts marriage fraud ring
Feds announce arrests in alleged multimillion-dollar sham marriage scheme in Massachusetts
District of Massachusetts | Six Charged in Large Scale Marriage Fraud Ring
What people are saying
My hope is that today the charged defendants and others like them realize that the American dream is not for sale
It is earned. And when you try to pilfer it for profit, we will hold you accountable.
for you to get the American dream