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Colombian nationals allegedly ran fake law firm, impersonated federal judges to defraud migrants out of $100K

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Colombian nationals allegedly ran fake law firm, impersonated federal judges to defraud migrants out of 0K

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Four Colombian nationals were arrested, including three at an airport with one-way tickets out of the country, after prosecutors say they posed as immigration judges and federal agents to target migrants.

Three of the Colombian nationals arrested were identified as siblings Daniela Alejandra Sanchez Ramirez, 25, Jhoan Sebastian Sanchez Ramirez, 29, and Alexandra Patricia Sanchez Ramirez, 38. Federal prosecutors said all three were arrested at Newark Airport in New Jersey with one-way tickets to Colombia.

The fourth individual was identified as Marlyn Yulitza Salazar Pineda, 24. She was arrested at a restaurant in New Jersey.

A fifth defendant in the partially unsealed indictment is still not in U.S. custody.

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The group allegedly impersonated judges, law enforcement officers and lawyers to orchestrate fake immigration proceedings held over videoconference.  (United States Attorney, Eastern District of New York)

“The defendants brazenly stole their victims’ money and deceived them by sending fictitious documents and holding sham court proceedings,” Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement. 

The group allegedly impersonated judges, law enforcement officers and lawyers to orchestrate sham immigration proceedings held over videoconference.

Court documents contain two representative photos of two of the virtual “proceedings” with faces blacked out. 

In court documents, prosecutors cited two photos of the virtual “proceedings” with faces blacked out. (United States Attorney, Eastern District of New York)

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Victims were led to believe that their immigration cases had been resolved, resulting in victims missing their actual appearances in immigration court, according to prosecutors.

At least one victim who mistakenly believed her immigration issues were resolved was ordered to be deported due to the scheme, prosecutors said, noting that the order was later reversed.

The group is also accused of lining their pockets and the pockets of their coconspirators in Colombia by laundering tens of thousands of dollars of victims’ funds.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ALLEGEDLY RAN MULTI-MILLION GIFT CARD FRAUD SCHEME HITTING STORES DAILY ACROSS TEXAS

The group operated a fictitious law firm and solicited prospective “clients” primarily through Facebook, prosecutors alleged, adding that they charged fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars “for nonexistent legal advice and services.”

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A view of Newark Airport in New Jersey, on May 6, 2025. Prosecutors said three of the Colombian nationals were arrested at the airport with one-way tickets to Colombia. (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Investigators have identified over $100,000 in fraudulent transactions allegedly transmitted by victims to the defendants and other individuals associated with the fake law firm.

All five individuals have been charged with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and two counts of false impersonation of an officer or employee of the United States.

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Daniela and Jhoan Ramirez, and Marlyn Pineda are immigration parolees, while Alexandra Ramirez is in the U.S. on a tourist visa, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

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Fox News’ Jennifer Johsnson contributed to this report.

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Northeast

Officials confirm devices recovered at NYC protest near Gracie Mansion were both IEDs

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Officials confirm devices recovered at NYC protest near Gracie Mansion were both IEDs

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New York City officials confirmed Sunday that two devices recovered during protests near Gracie Mansion a day earlier were improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“The FBI and NYPD confirmed the suspicious items to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs),” FBI New York wrote on X. “Additionally, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) will be conducting interviews, reviewing videos, collecting evidence, and chasing down all leads.”

A third “suspicious device” was also found Sunday afternoon in a vehicle in Manhattan in connection with the investigation, officials said.

In a statement posted to X earlier on Sunday, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department’s Bomb Squad determined the first device was neither a hoax nor a smoke bomb.

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“The NYPD Bomb Squad has conducted a preliminary analysis of a device that was ignited and deployed at a protest yesterday and has determined that it is not a hoax device or a smoke bomb,” Tisch wrote. “It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death.”

WHO IS BRIAN COLE, THE DC PIPE BOMB SUSPECT?

A man throws a hand-made explosive at supporters of U.S. President Trump during a rally to stop public Muslim prayer, in New York City, on March 7, 2026.  (Eduardo Munoz/ Reuters)

At the time, Tisch said authorities were continuing to analyze a second device recovered at the scene.

Police arrested Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi on Saturday. Both remain in custody.

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Three federal law enforcement sources told Fox News that the two suspects are believed to be U.S. citizens and that one suspect allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before igniting and throwing an IED toward the protest area.

The NYPD is working alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI through the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The incident unfolded during dueling demonstrations Saturday morning near East End Avenue and East 87th Street, just steps from Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

DC PIPE BOMB SUSPECT PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO PLANTING DEVICES AT DNC AND RNC HEADQUARTERS

The incident unfolded amid two dueling protests on March 7, 2026, near Gracie Mansion in New York City. (FNTV)

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One rally was organized by right-wing activist Jake Lang to oppose public Muslim prayer. Counter-protesters also gathered at the scene. 

Though police initially kept the groups separated, tensions escalated after pepper spray was deployed during a confrontation.

Approximately 30 minutes later, authorities say an 18-year-old counter-protester ignited and threw a device toward the protest area. Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke before it extinguished itself near responding officers.

Police say the 18-year-old then retrieved a second device from a 19-year-old, lit it, and attempted to flee. 

Both suspects – identified as Balat and Kayumi – were taken into custody.

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Three additional arrests were made on charges including disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic.

Bomb squad technicians on Saturday described the devices as jars wrapped in black tape, slightly smaller than a football. 

X-rays revealed nuts, bolts and screws inside – materials commonly used as improvised shrapnel – along with a hobby fuse that could be lit. 

‘LOUD BANG,’ DAMAGE REPORTED AT US EMBASSY IN NORWAY; POLICE INVESTIGATING

Right-wing activist Jake Lang leads a rally to stop public Muslim prayer, in New York City, U.S., March 7, 2026.  (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned both the protest and the violence in a statement posted Sunday.

“Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are,” Mamdani wrote. “What followed was even more disturbing. Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”

He thanked NYPD officers for their response and said his administration is “closely monitoring the situation.”

The NYPD could not be immediately reached by Fox News Digital for comment.

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Fox News’ Bill Melugin and CB Cotton, as well as Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

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Boston, MA

Shay Maloney’s overtime goal lifts Boston Fleet to road victory

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Shay Maloney’s overtime goal lifts Boston Fleet to road victory


VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Shay Maloney scored 41 seconds into overtime and the Boston Fleet edged the Vancouver Goldeneyes 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Much of the game was a goalie duel, with neither side scoring until the third period.

Haley Winn was first to strike, getting the Fleet on the board early in the final frame with her second goal of the year.

Hannah Miller responded for the Goldeneyes with 3:26 remaining, blasting a one-timer past Boston goalie Aerin Frankel from just inside the blue line. Frankel stopped 25 of the 26 shots she faced, and the Fleet won its sixth straight game.

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Kristen Campbell made 25 saves in the Vancouver net.

The win moved the Fleet back into sole possession of first place in the league standings, two points ahead of the Montreal Victoire.

Vancouver was without goalie Emerance Maschmeyer, who is listed as day to day with an upper-body injury. Kimberly Newell served as Campbell’s backup.



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Pittsburg, PA

How Pittsburgh area drivers can save money on gas as prices rise during the war with Iran

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How Pittsburgh area drivers can save money on gas as prices rise during the war with Iran


Until the prices at the gas pump start to come down, we’re all looking for a way to trim our spending on fuel. The good news is that there are a number of ways to do that, and they just might be in your wallet or on your phone right now. 

Whether it’s credit card reward programs or brand loyalty programs, finding a discount at the gas station is easier than you might think. 

Most major gas stations either have loyalty programs or memberships that can save you money. There’s also the option of using AAA to find some savings.   

On your phone, there are several apps and options that can save you money, like GasBuddy or Waze. 

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“The Auto Club app, which is our app, it actually will guide you toward the least expensive fuel in the area near you,” explained Jim Garrity of AAA East Central.

Both AAA and AARP have deals with Shell, where members can get five cents off a gallon. 

Meanwhile, if you’re getting your shopping done at one of the warehouse, wholesale stores such as Sam’s Club, BJ’s, or Costco, part of your membership is a gas discount, which is usually at least 10 cents cheaper. 

Even if you aren’t a member of one of these wholesale stores, many grocery stores have rewards programs that can get you a discount at gas stations. 

Garrity said there are also things you can do behind the wheel that can save you money on gas, starting with slowing down. 

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“Essentially, for every five miles over 50 miles an hour you’re driving, we found that you’re decreasing your fuel economy exponentially,” he explained. 

He also said that drivers should avoid jack rabbit starts – basically pushing down on the gas pedal instead of easing off the brake and putting slight pressure on the gas pedal. Drivers also should make sure that they’re keeping up with regular maintenance. 

“They save up pennies that over time really add up,” he said. 

Obviously, changing your driving habits is hard, especially because you don’t see immediate results, and that can lead to frustration. 

Using those memberships, rewards programs, and discount resources, that’s real money and more immediate. 

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