In a candid video statement posted by the Bloomington Police Department, Chief Booker T. Hodges didn’t hold back as he announced charges against two individuals accused of staging a robbery in a ploy to obtain immigration benefits.
“You may remember on Feb. 16 a person had reported a robbery,” Hodges began, before playing surveillance footage that appeared to show a disturbing crime: a woman being dragged out of a vehicle while a small child sat inside.
But as Hodges explained, the scene was all smoke and mirrors—a staged setup from the start.
“I’m gonna say the Oscar goes to Mr. Jorge Mendez and Ms. Ginger Zhindon,” Hodges said. “It was all staged. It was fake.”
Evidence points to planned scheme
Hodges showed a photo of a black sweatshirt, explaining it was recovered at the scene and traced back to Mendez.
Hodges said after Mendez’s arrest, investigators discovered phone records that allegedly revealed a coordinated effort between Mendez and Zhindon.
Police say the pair had scoped out the gas station in advance, noted camera locations, and planned their route to ensure everything was caught on tape.
Immigration scam: catalyst for staged robbery
“Now, why did they do that?” Hodges said. “Miss Ginger [Zhindon] … put this all together to get a U visa.”
A U visa allows illegal immigrants who are victims of crimes—or witnesses who cooperate with law enforcement—to remain in the U.S. temporarily with a path toward permanent residency, Hodges explained.
But since Zhindon allegedly fabricated the entire ordeal, she was arrested and will be charged with filing a false police report—a misdemeanor in Minnesota.
Mendez, despite police saying the incident being staged, is still facing robbery charges.
“I assume that both of them are going to have some issues to deal with with the federal government,” Hodges added, alluding to their immigration status.
Still, Hodges emphasized the importance of the U visa program and urged individuals to continue cooperating with law enforcement when they are genuinely victimized.
“This is the first I’ve ever heard of anything like this happening specifically here in Bloomington,” he said. “It’s a legitimate program that we still want people to feel comfortable coming forth.”
Hodges closed with a clear warning: “At the end of the day, if you file a false police report and break the law here, we’re going to lock you up.”
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
