Bogus Papers & Boise Hotels: Ospina Gets Time Served

BOISE, ID – Lina Marcela Ospina Isaza, 24, of Bucaramanga, Colombia, walked out of federal court with a slap on the wrist – approximately two months served – after pleading guilty to the false use of a Social Security number. Acting U.S. Attorney Justin D. Whatcott announced the sentence today, but waived any fine or assessment knowing Isaza is likely facing deportation.

The case, laid bare in court records, reveals a calculated attempt to exploit the system. Isaza illegally entered the United States near Otay Mesa, California, on December 1, 2023. She was initially apprehended by border patrol, admitting to crossing the international boundary illegally. Released under an “Order of Recognizance” pending an immigration hearing, she was instructed to update her address with the Department of Homeland Security should she move. Instead, she bolted for Boise.

In Boise, Isaza didn’t just change her location; she forged a new identity. She purchased a fraudulent Social Security card and a fraudulent legal permanent resident card. These fake documents were presented to a Boise hotel in April 2024, securing her employment. She then switched jobs, brazenly using the same fraudulent card to land another position at a downtown Boise hotel in May 2024 – signing an I-9 form with knowingly false information.

Homeland Security Investigations spearheaded the investigation that brought Isaza to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Nafzger successfully prosecuted the case. This conviction is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative promising to crack down on illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, and protect communities from violent crime – a lofty goal considering the porous border and the constant flow of individuals attempting to circumvent the law.

Isaza isn’t alone. She’s one of eight recent indictments in the District of Idaho involving undocumented aliens using fabricated documents to secure employment. The Department of Homeland Security is actively inspecting I-9 forms, seeking out those who exploit the system. While the penalty for falsely using a Social Security number can reach up to five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, Isaza received a far lighter sentence. Employers, however, are now facing increased penalties for violations of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

As of January 2, 2025, knowingly hiring unauthorized aliens can now result in fines of up to $5,724 per violation for a first offense, and a staggering $28,619 per violation for repeat offenders. This case underscores the ongoing struggle to balance workforce needs with border security and the consequences – both for individuals and employers – when the system is gamed. Isaza’s fate now rests with immigration authorities, likely a one-way ticket back to Colombia.

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