The ringleader of a massive human smuggling organization will serve less than one year for every 100 illegal aliens he is responsible for smuggling into the U.S.
According to the Department of Justice, Martin Garcia-Velazquez, of San Antonio, Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 90 months in federal prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release, for his leadership role in a criminal conspiracy to transport and harbor at least 1,000 illegal aliens over several years.
The judge also ordered the 42-year-old Garcia-Velazquez to pay a $5,000 mandatory special assessment for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 (JVTA), legislation aimed at increasing services for survivors of human trafficking and strengthening law enforcement.
Garcia-Velazquez pleaded guilty on September 20, 2023, to Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for Profit.
According to immigration experts, each illegal alien or U.S.-born child of illegal aliens costs the U.S. $8,776 annually in 2023. If Gomez smuggled only 1,000 illegal aliens into the country, the total cost to the U.S. would be north of $8,776,000 in 2024.
Garcia-Velazquez, also known as Jorge Espino-Garcia and by the nickname “Tucan,” admitted that he organized the transportation of undocumented noncitizens from the Mexico border to houses in and around Phoenix.
As a result of their multi-year investigation, HSI agents seized and forfeited from organization members over $1 million; five firearms, including an SKS 7.62 x 39mm semi-automatic rifle, with accompanying magazines and ammunition; and five vehicles.
Garcia-Velazquez’s co-conspirators were previously sentenced.
Jesus Torres-Aguilera pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for Profit and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. Judge Rash sentenced him on October 24, 2023, to a prison term of time served, equivalent to approximately 23 months, to be followed by 36 months of supervised release. Judge Rash also ordered Torres-Aguilera to pay the $5,000 mandatory special assessment in compliance with the JVTA.
Elmer Rene Del Cid Santos pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for Profit. Judge Rash also sentenced him on October 24, 2023, to 18 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release.
A third individual, Angelico Roa-Joachin, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens for Profit and Reentry of a Removed Alien. United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps sentenced Roa-Joachin to 78 months in prison.
$5 a head when he probably netted a thousand or more is a pretty good profit margin!
Stop blanket approving all judges up for re-electon…
The Cartels are running this State, and Tucson.
Here’s a sentence that I feel is way to light. Considering the amount of money Tuscan has made and cost us. He really should be put to death in my humble opinion. We need to stop wasting money on these criminals. I’m certain people would think twice if the consequences were severe.