September 20, 2012
By: Michelle Carfaro Stiner
examiner.com

50 year old West Jordan resident, Jose Marcos Gonzalez was arrested on charges of communications fraud following a sting operation. Gonzalez allegedly posed as an ICE agent and told immigrants he could streamline their Green Cards, albeit at a price. After hopeful customers provided the initial payment of $5,000, he is accused of asking for continuing payments, though without ever producing results toward legal residence. When victims refused to pay more, Gonzalez threatened them to report them to immigration officials.

Gonzalez came to the attention of SECURE agents after one victim came forward, despite the risk of deportation. Agents set up a sting, in which Gonzalez took money from an undercover officer, promising legal papers down the road. Gonzalez likely bilked other victims, who police urged to come forward with information at 801-200-3443.

“The sad fact is that these victims were trying get papers legally,” was one woman’s comment. “But the process is expensive and confusing. This guy is just one person taking advantage of the lack of clear information about how to go through the process.”

Gonzalez posed as an ICE agent and though he had no affiliation with the government agency, he will soon. Gonzalez, a Mexican citizen, is being held for ICE to investigate and possibly faces deportation himself.

West Jordan man arrested for Green Card fraud - Salt Lake City Immigration | Examiner.com