Jose Ignacio De La Cruz De La Rosa, also known as “Nacho,” was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 19 in Burlington, Vermont, according to a Mar. 26 announcement from the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont. The indictment charges De La Cruz De La Rosa, age 30 and recently residing in Burlington, along with two other unnamed defendants, with conspiracy to bring aliens into the United States, bringing aliens into the country, conspiracy to produce identity documents, and producing fraudulent identity documents.
The case is significant because it involves allegations of a multi-year scheme to facilitate illegal entry into the United States and create fraudulent identification documents. These actions are considered serious offenses under federal law.
Federal agents arrested De La Cruz De La Rosa on Mar. 26. He is scheduled for an initial appearance and arraignment before Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss later that day. Prosecutors have filed a motion seeking his detention pending trial.
According to court records cited by prosecutors, De La Cruz De La Rosa allegedly conspired over several years to transport individuals who entered the country illegally and helped renew Vermont driver’s privilege cards for people living outside Vermont. He also allegedly took learner’s permit tests on behalf of others and received $500 per card for these activities.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt said: “The nine-count indictment alleges that between November of 2022 and June of 2025, De La Cruz De La Rosa smuggled people across international borders and fraudulently obtained Vermont identification documents for people living outside Vermont.” Ophardt added: “These are serious criminal offenses. I am grateful for the careful and thorough investigation conducted by our law enforcement partners.”
If convicted on all counts, De La Cruz De La Rosa faces up to fifteen years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of three years; sentencing would be determined by the District Court following federal guidelines.
Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker is prosecuting this case while defense is provided by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
The prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration and combating transnational criminal organizations.
