Organizer pleads not guilty

Federal prosecutors say a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jose Ignacio De La Cruz De La Rosa, also known as “Nacho,” on Feb. 19, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont. (justice.gov)) The indictment is nine counts long and lists offenses including conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States, bringing aliens to the United States, conspiracy to produce identity documents, and producing fraudulent identity documents, with alleged conduct occurring between November 2022 and June 2025. (justice.gov)) Prosecutors allege De La Cruz renewed Vermont driver’s privilege cards for people living outside Vermont, took learner’s tests on others’ behalf, and received about $500 for each card. (justice.gov)) Federal agents arrested De La Cruz the morning of March 26 as he was heading to work at New Frameworks in Essex, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office immediately filed a motion seeking his detention pending trial. (sevendaysvt.com)) Chief U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss conducted the initial appearance and arraignment, and a judge ordered De La Cruz to remain in custody until a detention hearing set for April 2. (justice.gov)) The indictment names two other defendants whose identities remain sealed and notes that, if convicted, De La Cruz faces a statutory sentence range of three to 15 years imprisonment. (justice.gov)) De La Cruz had previously been detained after a traffic stop by U.S. Border Patrol in Richford in July 2025 that prompted prosecutors to seek a warrant for his phone and led to related court filings earlier this year. (vtdigger.org)) Hundreds of supporters rallied outside the federal courthouse after the charges were unsealed, and Migrant Justice spokesperson Will Lambek said the group planned an increased presence and voiced support for De La Cruz. (vermontpublic.org))