Following an investigation by agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations, five illegal aliens were arrested for running an alien smuggling operation in Phoenix
According to the Department of Justice, Rigoberto Rangel-Mora, 40, of Mexico, Jesus Marin-Esquivel, 52, of Mexico, Ingrid Bolanos-Gomez, 41, of Guatemala, Alejandro Ambrocio-Espinosa, 32, of Mexico, and Enrique Cervantes-Barrera, 48, of Mexico, were indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday for Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens based on their participation in the alien smuggling operation.
According to court documents, investigators located a residence in Phoenix being used as a stash house to harbor aliens before members of the conspiracy would transport them throughout the United States. Investigators identified and conducted surveillance on several older model minivans that were observed making trips across the country, often with charity license plates attached.
On April 28, investigators conducted a traffic stop on one of the minivans near Cordes Lakes, Arizona, and identified Ambrocio-Espinosa as the driver and Cervantes-Barrera as the front seat passenger. Agents discovered that they were transporting 11 aliens in the minivan, including one individual who was forced to ride in the trunk.
On April 30, investigators executed federal search warrants at a residence and two apartments in Phoenix. At the residence, investigators discovered 17 aliens that the smuggling organization was harboring. At another apartment, investigators discovered five additional aliens the organization was harboring. Investigators identified Rangel-Mora as the caretaker of the stash house and the remaining charged co-conspirators as drivers who conduct cross-country trips with smuggled aliens.
At the stash house, the harbored aliens told investigators that while at the residence, they were confined to bedrooms, told not to leave the house, and were unable to make calls. They further reported filthy living conditions, not having enough food, and being required to sleep on the floor.
A conviction for Conspiracy to Transport and Habor Illegal Aliens carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and a maximum term of three years of supervised release.
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