Jorge Eliecer Gonzalez-Ochoa, 28, has pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of fraud and misuse of documents after being arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Bread Garden Market on September 25.
Court documents state that Gonzalez-Ochoa used a forged Permanent Resident Card in the name of “Elijah Rodriguez” and falsified a Social Security number to secure unlawful employment. Other charges in the indictment will be dropped as part of the plea deal.
Gonzalez-Ochoa and his wife arrived in the U.S. from Colombia in November 2024 and lived with their infant son at the Catholic Worker House. His arrest drew community protests, with supporters calling for his release and advocating for immigrant rights.
If convicted, Gonzalez-Ochoa faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
