A Pasadena woman promised to fix their immigration case. Police say she took thousands and then made threats.
HOUSTON — A Houston-area woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly posing as an immigration agent, scamming victims out of thousands of dollars and threatening to harm their families if they went to police.
Irma Hernandez, 45, allegedly promised victims she could fast-track their immigration cases, then demanded more money when she failed to deliver. Pasadena police believe the scheme dates back to 2023, with victims spread across the region and as far as Austin, Texas.
One victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said she met Hernandez at a taco truck off Edgebrook. She said Hernandez told her she didn’t have an office but worked directly with immigration authorities.
“Que trabaja directamente, que no tenia oficinas por que trabaja directamente.” (“That she worked directly, that she didn’t have an office because she works directly.”)
The victim and her husband, who have legal status and had spent years working with attorneys on their immigration case, agreed to pay Hernandez for her services.
Jonathan Jernigan, a Pasadena police investigator, described the couple’s situation.
“My victims and her husband have been here for a while and have legal papers to be here,” Jernigan said. “She has been working on this for the last 10 years. Spent a lot of money with attorneys. Gotten not a lot done.”
Hernandez allegedly charged the family between $10,000 and $12,000.
After months passed, Hernandez told them they needed to pick up their paperwork in Monterrey, Mexico. The victim traveled there with Hernandez. The documents were never handed over and Hernandez demanded more money. When the victim said she was returning to the United States and planned to report Hernandez to authorities, the threats began.
“Si yo la reporto en el puente, ella me va hacer daño a mi familia.” (“If I report her at the bridge, she will harm my family.”)
The victim said she eventually decided to go to police after noticing a car following her while dropping her kids off at school. Reporting journalist Anayeli Ruiz said the victim felt it was time to get help before things took a turn for the worst.
Court documents indicate Hernandez also told victims she had connections to both the U.S. government and the cartel.
“She would make mentions that she has connections to the U.S. government and the cartel. And she needed everything taken care of, she has connections.”
Investigators say there are several other victims, many of whom Hernandez also met at the same taco truck location.
Molly Full with Naimeh Salem immigration attorneys says there are clear red flags people should watch for. The biggest warning sign is unsolicited outreach from someone claiming they can help move a case along.
“The biggest thing: immigration officials won’t reach out saying ‘I can help you, I can make this work.’ That is not how it works. They will not reach out.”
Guaranteeing outcomes is another major warning sign.
“Another big flag would also apply to ICE. When they guarantee outcomes. So many factors we can’t control.”
The victim said she hopes her experience sends a message to Hernandez.
“No siga robando de gente que trabaja para vivir.” (“Don’t keep stealing from people who work to live.”)
Pasadena police are urging anyone who may have been victimized to come forward, regardless of their immigration status. Investigators say additional charges could be forthcoming.
