15 Charged in Massachusetts Benefit Fraud: Immigration News Today
Fifteen people were arrested in Massachusetts for stealing more than $1.4 million in public benefits — and federal prosecutors say this is just the start. Eleven of the defendants are undocumented immigrants who now face both criminal charges and deportation. The Justice Department has created a new team dedicated to finding more cases just like these.
15 People Charged With $1.4 Million in Benefit Fraud in Massachusetts
The U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against 15 people — 11 undocumented immigrants and 4 U.S. citizens — for allegedly stealing more than $1.4 million in public benefits in Massachusetts. The benefits involved include SNAP (a federal food assistance program), MassHealth (the state Medicaid program), Social Security, and unemployment benefits. Several defendants were living under stolen identities, so their real names are still unknown.
Among those charged: Heriberto Rodriguez of Framingham, accused of $546,463 in total fraud across multiple programs; Mirian Chalas, a U.S. citizen from Salem, NH, charged with $303,000 in combined MassHealth, Social Security disability, and SNAP fraud; and Mitul Patel, an Indian national from Worcester, charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud — prosecutors say he and others staged a fake armed robbery so participants could apply for a U Visa (a visa for victims of violent crimes). Mario Baez Romero, a Dominican national from Somerville, was allegedly encountered on a recreational boat near Miami in May 2026.
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U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said this is only the beginning. Her office created the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team on March 26, 2026, specifically to investigate and prosecute benefit fraud across Massachusetts. The Department of Justice also launched the National Fraud Enforcement Division on April 7, 2026. Officials say charges will be announced on a rolling basis going forward. Undocumented defendants who are convicted face deportation (also called removal) after serving their sentences.
What This Means for Immigrants in Massachusetts
If you are an immigrant — with or without legal status — and you receive any public benefits, this case is a warning. Federal and state agencies are actively sharing data and investigating fraud. Using someone else's identity or Social Security number to get benefits is a federal crime called aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence on top of any other punishment. Even U.S. citizens were charged in this case, showing that prosecutors are not limiting their focus to undocumented people.
What to Do
- Do not use another person's identity or Social Security number to apply for any benefit — this is a federal crime with mandatory prison time.
- If you are undocumented and receiving benefits you may not qualify for, lawyers recommend speaking with an immigration attorney before any government contact. A conviction can lead to removal proceedings (the formal process to deport someone).
- If ICE contacts you or you receive a notice to appear in immigration court, do not ignore it. You have the right to an attorney. Contact an immigration lawyer immediately.
- To report suspected fraud, you can call the Massachusetts fraud tip line at 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
As an immigration attorney, I want to be direct: using a false identity or someone else's Social Security number to obtain benefits is not just a civil issue — it is a federal crime that triggers mandatory deportation proceedings for non-citizens. Even if you have a pending green card application or asylum case, a fraud conviction can permanently destroy your immigration case. If you have any doubt about your benefit eligibility or past applications, consult an immigration attorney before federal investigators contact you.