Jose Aguirre-Nunez, Alien Smuggling, Texas 2007

McALLEN, Texas – A notorious alien smuggling kingpin has been brought to justice in a federal courtroom, serving as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of human trafficking in the Lone Star State.

Jose Aguirre-Nunez, 46, the head of an extensive alien smuggling organization operating in and around Starr County to Harris County, Texas, has been sentenced to a total of 150 months in federal prison, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

Aguirre-Nunez pleaded guilty on March 22, 2007, to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and conspiracy to commit money laundering and received respective sentences of 150 and 150 months to be served concurrently. Aguirre-Nunez, who is a permanent resident, is expected to face deportation upon completing their federal prison sentences.

According to investigators, on June 30, 2005, Border Patrol (BP) agents discovered 26 aliens from Honduras and El Salvador at a house in Roma after one of them escaped and contacted law enforcement authorities.

A subsequent investigation revealed that Aguirre-Nunez’s organization transported several hundred illegal aliens from Starr County to Harris County, Texas. Between 2001 to 2005, the organization received approximately $400,000 through Western Union and/or MoneyGram, which represented the payment by family members for the smuggling of illegal aliens.

Aguirre-Nunez headed the organization and 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, foot guides to walk the aliens around the checkpoint, and scouts to check for law enforcement while the aliens were being transported in vehicles.

Aguirre-Nunez and nine members of his organization were indicted for their role in this alien smuggling organization. All have pleaded guilty and been sentenced.

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