Federal authorities arrest six in Massachusetts marriage scam to help people get immigration benefits — allegedly charged $38K-$40K per wedding

Six people have been charged in the alleged scheme, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley announced Oct. 21. Prosecutors say the alleged ringleader, Jennifer Gonzalez, 43, of Fall River, arranged about 18 to 20 marriages a year. The operation generated an estimated $6 million in profits, Foley said, according to Boston 25 News.

Gonzalez was caught on camera admitting that Massachusetts is a “sanctuary” for immigrants and that she “didn’t work in 2025 because immigration was a little bit harsh,” after Trump became president.

How the reported scheme worked

Prosecutors say Gonzalez paid her four co-defendants to marry customers while a fifth worked as the operation’s “secretary.” The group also allegedly took photos of the “weddings” and social outings to support fraudulent immigration applications.

Wedding rings were exchanged, and the photos were meant to make the marriages look real, WBUR reports.

All six face charges of conspiracy to harbor and harboring illegal aliens, which carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison, as well as conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and marriage fraud, which carry penalties of up to 5 years. Both sets of charges also carry a fine of up to $250,000, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office..

“To see a for-profit business whose sole purpose [is to] cheat and skip the line by simply paying for it must be so offensive and disheartening to those who follow our country’s laws,” Foley said.

Where the money allegedly went

Prosecutors allege Gonzalez invested proceeds in businesses and real estate in the Dominican Republic. They also allege she spent more than $120,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits while running the ring and buying property.

Some defendants allegedly lied on SNAP applications by claiming they had never been married, WBUR reported.