‘The American dream is not for sale’: Feds bust Mass. marriage fraud ring

Federal authorities announced Wednesday that they have broken up an alleged marriage fraud ring that arranged hundreds of sham marriages in Massachusetts designed to obtain unlawful immigration benefits. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley was joined by Homeland Security and immigration officials at a press conference at the Moakley courthouse on Wednesday morning to detail charges against six people, five of whom they said are currently in federal custody. Foley said the marriage fraud ring generated over $6 million in profit and spanned more than a decade. The ringleader was Fall River resident Jennifer Gonzalez, a U.S. citizen who arranged the marriages, charging between $38,000-$40,000 and arranging between 18-20 marriages a year. Gonzalez then used the money to invest in businesses and property in the Dominican Republic. “Every time I have a spare dollar I just invest in new property in my country,” she allegedly said. “Like, I have a lot of land in my country.” Gonzalez also secured payments for her co-conspirators, who were paid to engage in one or more fake marriages so that people could obtain U.S. citizenship and submit fraudulent documents. According to court documents, the others charged were Erica Daniels, Cherice Alejandro, Amara Pugh, Jessica Tavares and Jaylin Hill, all of Fall River. Foley said Gonzalez ran “a very sophisticated operation” that could have gone on for much longer, if it weren’t for someone coming forward to tip off federal authorities. She said court filings show that Gonzalez was caught on video explaining the process of participating in the sham marriages, which included taking the couples’ photos to make the relationships seem real. In those recordings, she also explained how her business became more challenging when Donald Trump became president in 2024, and said she suspended her business in 2025 because immigration “was a little harsh.” Gonzalez has a prior criminal history, Foley said, including convictions for assault and battery, identity fraud and fraud, illegal entry, possession of burglars tools and knowingly receiving stolen property. She also allegedly entered a fraudulent marriage herself to get the other person illegal benefits. The others involved also had criminal histories, including assault, weapons and drug charges and affiliations with know street gangs. Foley said Gonzalez also applied for and received approximately $124,500 in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts between 2019 and 2026. “It is alleged Ms. Gonzalez got rich by selling the American dream, all the while by sending money to another country,” Foley said. “The American dream is not for sale. It is earned. And when you try to pilfer it for profit, we will hold you accountable.” Federal authorities said their investigation is ongoing.