Peruvian Citizen in Darien Arrested on Federal Immigration Fraud Charges

(DARIEN, CONNECTICUT) A 55-year-old Peruvian citizen living in Darien, Flor Consuelo Del Carmen Caballero Bernabe, was arrested and federally charged in August 2025 for alleged immigration fraud, including a false claim of U.S. citizenship. The case stems from a federal investigation that began in 2022 and led to an indictment filed in mid-August 2025. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, led by U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan, is prosecuting the case. Authorities say further court dates are pending as the criminal process moves forward.

An indictment is a formal charge and not a finding of guilt.

Federal case details

According to federal filings, the charges center on immigration fraud, with the alleged conduct involving misrepresentation tied to citizenship. In plain terms, a false claim of citizenship means telling the government or others that you are a U.S. citizen when you are not. Such claims can appear on applications, in job forms, or during official checks.

The government treats these allegations seriously because citizenship status affects:

• Voting eligibility
• Employment
• Access to public benefits
• Eligibility for immigration relief

Prosecutors say the Darien arrest reflects ongoing efforts to pursue fraud cases at the local level. Federal law enforcement agencies have been working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut since 2022 on this investigation. The indictment filed around August 15–16, 2025 marks the start of formal criminal proceedings. At this stage, the defendant:

• Has the right to counsel
• Has the right to contest the charges in court

Officials have not released a detailed timeline of future hearings. If the case proceeds to trial, the court will set dates for motions, evidence, and witness testimony.

Important reminders for those facing questions about status

• Don’t claim U.S. citizenship unless you’re a citizen. This includes oral statements and anything written on job forms or applications.
• A false claim can bring criminal charges and long-term immigration bars.
• People facing status questions should seek qualified legal help and avoid giving any false statements to employers or the government.

Darien Gap crackdown and migration shifts

The arrest comes as the United States and Panama step up measures affecting migration through the Darien Gap—the dangerous jungle corridor between Colombia and Panama used by hundreds of thousands of migrants heading north.

Key developments and actions:

• Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, in office since July 1, 2024, implemented stricter policies including partial route closures, new physical barriers, and increased deportation flights backed by U.S. support.
• Migrant crossings fell from about 520,000 in 2023 to roughly 302,000 in 2024, according to Panamanian officials and U.S. Homeland Security updates.
• By mid-2025, crossings had dropped to near zero—a dramatic reduction for a previously active route.
• The U.S. pledged $6 million to help fund repatriation flights from Panama, prioritizing migrants from Colombia, Ecuador, India, and China. Venezuelans are not included due to diplomatic hurdles, officials say.

These measures have reshaped routes and behaviors:

• Some migrants have turned back or sought different paths.
• Others remain stuck in transit countries, facing new costs and risks.
• Authorities argue the actions are meant to deter smugglers, cut deadly journeys, and encourage use of official channels.

VisaVerge.com reports increased cooperation since 2024—more patrols, tighter checkpoints, and rapid deportation flights that limit time in Panamanian camps. As crossings slowed:

• Bus companies, shelters, and informal guides along the corridor saw business drop sharply.
• Some migrants returned home after running out of money or options.
• Humanitarian groups warn that strict closures can push people into even more dangerous trails and leave families stranded without help.

Local impact in Darien, Connecticut

In towns like Darien, where many residents were born abroad or have relatives overseas, the trends have two main effects:

1. Fewer new arrivals via Central America may reach the U.S. border, potentially reducing new arrivals who rely on local support networks.
2. Heightened federal attention on immigration fraud means identity misrepresentations and false citizenship claims may be pursued in local communities as well as at the border.

Practical points for families, employers, and community leaders:

• Don’t claim U.S. citizenship unless you’re a citizen — includes oral and written statements.
• Keep copies of all records you submit to the government or an employer.
• Avoid “shortcuts” to papers or citizenship offered for a fee; report suspected fraud to trusted authorities.
• If unsure about status or benefits, consult a licensed attorney or recognized nonprofit and avoid unlicensed consultants.
• Follow official updates from government sources for policy changes and court process information.

Broader context and next steps

Federal officials place the Connecticut case within a broader effort to deter unlawful conduct tied to migration pressures. As Panama tightens controls in the Darien Gap, the U.S. has increased enforcement domestically. Authorities say this combined approach aims to reduce incentives for fraud while addressing risks on the journey north.

Humanitarian concerns remain central:

• The Darien Gap is a deadly environment. Even with crossings near zero by mid-2025, families who already moved north may face mixed outcomes—some find legal paths, while others encounter closed doors.
• Legal proceedings like the one in Darien do not resolve broader migration questions but illustrate how international policy shifts can echo in U.S. courtrooms.

Officials have not disclosed further details about evidence in the case against Caballero Bernabe. The government emphasizes that the indictment is a charge, not proof of guilt, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. More information is expected as hearings are scheduled and filings become public.

For official updates or background on federal prosecutions, consult the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct. The office lists contact information, public statements, and case announcements.

Contact information (U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Connecticut):
– New Haven Office, Phone: (203) 821-3700
– Fax: (203) 773-5376

The broader message from Washington and Panama City: the window for irregular crossings through the Darien Gap has closed for now, and attempts to gain advantages through false claims carry real risk. For Darien’s immigrant families, the safest path remains honest records, trustworthy legal advice, and patience with a system under strict scrutiny.

As the prosecution moves ahead, communities will watch how the court handles the allegations and what signals the outcome sends. The Darien arrest of a Peruvian citizen underscores a national moment: fewer people are reaching the U.S. border through the Darien, and enforcement is increasingly focused on what people claim once they are already here.