BOISE, ID – A Colombian woman has been sentenced in federal court for using a false Social Security number to gain employment at two Boise hotels, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho.
Lina Marcela Ospina Isaza, 24, of Bucaramanga, Colombia, received a sentence of time served—approximately two months in prison—after pleading guilty to the charge on June 10, 2025. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford waived the fine and special assessment, citing Isaza’s likely deportation.
Court records show Isaza unlawfully entered the U.S. near Otay Mesa, California, on December 1, 2023, and was arrested shortly after. Though she admitted to crossing the border without inspection at a designated Port of Entry, she was released by the Department of Homeland Security under an “Order of Recognizance” while awaiting an immigration hearing.
Despite providing an address in Massachusetts and being instructed to report any move within five days, Isaza instead relocated to Boise. There, she purchased fraudulent documents—a Social Security card and a permanent resident card—which she used in April 2024 to obtain employment at a Boise hotel. In May, she reportedly used the same false documents to secure another job at a downtown hotel.
Acting U.S. Attorney Justin D. Whatcott credited Homeland Security Investigations with leading the inquiry. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Nafzger prosecuted the case.
Isaza’s sentencing is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide Department of Justice campaign aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling criminal organizations, and safeguarding communities.
She is one of eight individuals recently indicted in Idaho for using fake documentation to obtain employment. The Department of Homeland Security continues inspecting employment records to identify fraudulent use of Social Security numbers and permanent resident cards. These offenses carry penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
As of January 2025, employers found guilty of knowingly hiring unauthorized workers face fines of up to $5,724 per individual for a first offense, and up to $28,619 per individual for repeat offenses.