McALLEN, Texas – McAllen’s grimy streets are once again the scene of a federal crime as Juan Ramirez Cortez, a 39-year-old Mexican national, faces charges for hiring and harboring illegal aliens at Ole Taco in Mission. The charge sheet paints a picture of a ruthless operation within the local restaurant scene.
According to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, authorities nabbed Cortez during an enforcement action on July 10th. The man who once dished out tacos is now facing up to five years in federal prison if convicted of his charges.
Cortez, alleged manager of Ole Taco, is accused of not only hiring and firing employees but also filling out employment paperwork and verifying the immigration status of staff. Reports suggest he employed at least 10 illegal aliens, a move that’s put him on the radar of federal law enforcement.
The sweep resulted in the arrest of 17 other individuals, all confirmed to be unauthorized immigrants. The grim tally of illegal workers underscores the severity of the crime and its impact on the local community.
This operation was a joint effort by the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Storey Lyles is handling the prosecution.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation of guilt; Cortez remains innocent until proven otherwise through legal proceedings. His preliminary and detention hearing is set for 3 p.m. on July 15th before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis.
RELATED: River Run: Smuggler Faces Years in Prison
RELATED: Repeat Offender: Deported Again After Brief Montana Stint
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More