Federal Prosecution Closes on Fraudulent ID Scheme

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Edgidio Vasquez-Mencho, a 41-year-old Guatemalan citizen, will spend six months in federal custody after pleading guilty to his role in a conspiracy to sell counterfeit identification documents in the Grand Rapids area.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced the sentencing on April 1, 2026. Vasquez-Mencho was sentenced after admitting guilt to charges related to a scheme that operated during 2024 and 2025.

The Fraudulent Document Operation

According to prosecutors, Vasquez-Mencho was part of a group that advertised, manufactured, and sold counterfeit Social Security cards, Permanent Resident cards, and other false identification documents to people who were in the country illegally in West Michigan.

His role was primarily to deliver the documents to clients and collect payments. The Department of Justice confirmed that the group's operations took place across Grand Rapids and surrounding areas during the two-year period.

A Repeat Offender

This marks the third time Vasquez-Mencho has been found in the United States without legal authorization.

• The first time he was allowed to voluntarily depart the country
• The second time he was formally removed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement back to Guatemala

Once he completes his six-month sentence, Vasquez-Mencho will again be deported to his native country.

Impact on Undocumented Workers

Prosecutors say those who purchased the fraudulent documents used them to obtain employment and access taxpayer-supported public services. The case highlights how counterfeit identification documents enable illegal immigration and allow individuals to work and claim benefits without proper authorization.

"Vasquez-Mencho deserved to be prosecuted and punished," U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said. "It is bad enough that he has repeatedly violated our immigration laws by crossing the border without permission. Worse than that, once he got here, he operated an illegal document business that allowed others like him to illegally obtain employment and claim taxpayer-supported public services. This conduct must stop."

Federal Investigation

The case was investigated by the Grand Rapids office of Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Daniels. It was part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative coordinated through Homeland Security Task Forces established under a January 2025 executive order.

Vasquez-Mencho is one of three people convicted in the conspiracy. Officials did not release details about the identities of the other defendants. A third defendant has been charged but not yet sentenced.

Jared Murphey, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations' Detroit field office, said his agency will aggressively pursue criminal organizations that traffic in fraudulent identification documents. "We remain steadfast in our mission to protect our communities, uphold the integrity of our nation's laws, and ensure that those who undermine public safety face the full consequences of their actions."

What's Next

After serving his sentence, Vasquez-Mencho will be removed from the United States and returned to Guatemala. The case serves as a warning to those who attempt to obtain false identification documents and participate in schemes that exploit the immigration system.