Three Guatemalan citizens were arrested in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 30, 2025, following an indictment by a grand jury. Norma Yanari Ayala (34), Rigoberto Vasquez-Vasquez (42), and Edgidio Vasquez-Mencho (41) face charges related to the conspiracy and transfer of false identification documents. The indictment alleges that from June 2024 through June 2025, the defendants conspired to sell counterfeit permanent resident cards and social security number cards designed to appear as if issued by U.S. authorities. These documents were allegedly sold to individuals believed to be present in the United States without legal status.
The indictment also includes seven instances where sales of these false documents were made to confidential sources under observation by Homeland Security Investigations agents.
Norma Yanari Ayala and Edgidio Vasquez-Mencho are additionally charged with reentering the United States after being previously removed—Ayala having been removed four times and Vasquez-Mencho once.
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey stated, “These cases are a priority. Illegal immigrants come to the United States because they know they can get phony work documents allowing them to take U.S. jobs. We know whatever we can do to disrupt the fraudulent document business will help us get control of illegal immigration.”
If convicted, each defendant could face up to 15 years in prison.
Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Daniels prosecuting the case.
Authorities remind that charges in an indictment are accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
