Joint Statement from Chief John Cregan and Jennielynn Holmes, CEO of Catholic Charities of Northwest California 

Lea una versión en español de este comunicado aquí. 

The Santa Rosa Police Department and Catholic Charities of Northwest California are jointly alerting the community to a troubling and growing trend involving immigration services scams that are now impacting individuals locally. Across the country, and increasingly within our own community, criminals are posing as Catholic Charities employees, using emails, social media, counterfeit identification badges, and even in-person meetings to falsely promise immigration legal services in exchange for large fees. These individuals are not authorized to provide legal assistance and are exploiting trust in a respected organization to victimize vulnerable members of our community. 

Catholic Charities USA and its affiliates have reported that scammers commonly initiate unsolicited contact through email, text, or social media, requesting personal information or payment to “enroll” individuals in non-existent immigration programs. These scams often involve promises of guaranteed results, expedited cases, or special access to immigration benefits; claims that legitimate service providers cannot and do not make. In many cases, victims are pressured to send money through digital payment platforms or to provide sensitive identifying information, only to have the scammers disappear without delivering any services. 

Chief John Cregan emphasized the Department’s commitment to addressing this criminal behavior: 

“The Santa Rosa Police Department takes these crimes very seriously. Individuals who prey on members of our community, particularly those seeking lawful immigration assistance, will be investigated thoroughly and held accountable. This type of fraud will not be tolerated. We are committed to working closely with our community partners to stop these scams and protect the public.” 

Jennielynn Holmes, CEO of Catholic Charities of Northwest California, underscored the organization’s concern and ongoing outreach efforts: 

“Catholic Charities has a long-standing mission of serving vulnerable members of our community with integrity and compassion. It is deeply concerning that individuals are misusing our name and impersonating our staff to take advantage of families and individuals seeking help. We encourage anyone seeking immigration assistance to contact us directly through our official channels to verify services and ensure they are working with legitimate, accredited providers.” 

Both agencies stressed the strength of their partnership in addressing this issue through education, prevention, and enforcement. Joint efforts are focused on increasing awareness of common warning signs, supporting victims, and holding those responsible accountable. 

Community members are urged to be cautious and watch for the following red flags: 

1. Unsolicited contact offering immigration services or legal assistance 

2. Requests for payment upfront, especially through apps like Zelle or wire transfers 

3. Guarantees of visas, green cards, or other immigration outcomes 

4. Requests for sensitive personal information via text, email, WhatsApp, or social media 

5. Requests to sign blank immigration forms or documents you do not fully understand 

6. Individuals presenting unofficial or suspicious identification or credentials 
    

It is important to know that Catholic Charities does not initiate services through social media messages and encourages community members to verify any outreach directly with their offices. Legitimate immigration service providers will also be transparent about credentials, processes, and fees, and will never guarantee a specific immigration outcome. 
 
We also recognize that members of the immigrant community may feel hesitant to report being victimized, out of concern for their immigration status. The Santa Rosa Police Department wants to make this clear: SRPD does not ask about immigration status, does not report immigration status to the federal government, and does not participate in civil immigration enforcement. A person’s immigration status has no bearing on our investigation of a crime. Our priority is protecting victims and holding criminals accountable. Additionally, reporting these incidents helps protect others in our community. 
 
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by an immigration services scam, or who may have already been a victim, is strongly encouraged to report the incident to the Santa Rosa Police Department at 707-528-5222. By reporting these crimes, you not only help protect yourself but also prevent others in the community from becoming victims. 
 
Together, the Santa Rosa Police Department and Catholic Charities of Northwest California remain committed to safeguarding our community through awareness, trust, and coordinated action. 
 
For more information about the services Catholic Charities of Northwest California provides and how to access legitimate resources, visit their website here. 
 
Get answers to frequently asked questions about protecting yourself from immigration fraud here. 
 
For more information about Santa Rosa Police Department’s immigration policy and the commitment from the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs Association to not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations, visit the SRPD website here. 
 
Media inquiries for CCNWC can be directed to Ashley Juricich, Director of Communications, at 707-304-7653. 

Media inquiries for SRPD can be directed to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at pseffens@srcity.org or 707-543-3634.