GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Three Guatemalans have been indicted on allegations they conspired to sell false U.S. documents in Kent County.
The defendants, who await arraignment in U.S. District Court, were arrested Tuesday, Sept. 30, in Grand Rapids, U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said.
The indictment alleges the three conspired to sell false permanent-resident cards and Social Security cards that appeared to have been issued by the government. The cards were allegedly sold to those in the U.S. illegally.
The indictment documents seven instances of sales to confidential sources observed by Homeland Security Investigations agents.
“These cases are a priority,” VerHey said in a statement. “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.”
The defendants are charged with conspiracy to transfer false identification documents and transfer of false identification documents. Two of the three are also accused of illegal re-entry into the U.S. after being previously removed.
The alleged scheme began sometime before June 2024 and ended in June 2025, the government said.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 15 years in prison.