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Alien Smuggling Ring Leader Gets 12 Years in Prison
McAllen, Texas – Jose Aguirre-Nunez, 46, the mastermind behind a large-scale alien smuggling operation in Texas, was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson on Thursday.
Aguirre-Nunez pleaded guilty on March 22, 2007 to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and conspiracy to commit money laundering, receiving respective sentences of 150 and 150 months to be served concurrently. As a permanent resident, Aguirre-Nunez is expected to face deportation upon completing his federal prison sentences.
The evidence collected during the investigation revealed that Aguirre-Nunez’s organization transported hundreds of illegal aliens from Starr County to Harris County, Texas, between 2001 and 2005. The group received approximately $400,000 through Western Union and/or MoneyGram, representing payments by family members for the smuggling of illegal aliens.
Aguirre-Nunez was responsible for contacting Mexican alien smugglers, arranging for foot guides to cross the aliens into the United States, and delivering them to stash houses in Starr County. He also coordinated the transportation of the aliens to Harris County by hiring drivers and scouts to check for law enforcement while the aliens were being transported in vehicles.
A total of 11 people, including Aguirre-Nunez, were indicted for their roles in the alien smuggling organization. All have pleaded guilty and been sentenced. The cases are a result of an investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol, assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Aguirre-Nunez’s sentence is a significant blow to the alien smuggling industry in Texas, which has seen a rise in cases in recent years. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has pledged to continue pursuing those involved in human trafficking and organized crime.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Human Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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