They sentence a Mexican who pleaded guilty to transporting thousands of undocumented immigrants in Arizona

Nathan Rivera

13/06/2023

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Ochoa-Vásquez and his accomplices also threatened the families of undocumented immigrants who were late with their payments.

Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

Manuel Ochoa-Vásquez, 39, of Paso Hondo, Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Judge John C. Hideraker to 96 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for his management role in a criminal conspiracy to harbor and transport thousands of undocumented non-citizens.

Ochoa-Vasquez pleaded guilty on December 15, 2022 to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens for profit and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents conducted a court-approved wiretap for a year after discovering that people were being smuggled from the US border into a machine shop and several residences in the greater Phoenix area.

During the execution of the search warrants, 54 undocumented non-citizens were found at the main hideout operated by Ochoa-Vasquez and his co-conspirators. The investigation revealed that the smuggled individuals were detained at the safe house until the smuggling fees were paid.

In addition, the wire communications revealed that Ochoa-Vásquez and his accomplices sometimes threatened the families or sponsors of the people being smuggled if the smuggling fees were late.

The Mexican Manuel Ochoa-Vásquez, 39, was sentenced to spend eight years in federal prison for conspiring to transport and harbor "thousands of undocumented immigrants" in Arizona, the US Department of Justice reported Monday.

Ochoa-Vásquez's arrest came after agents from the Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) intercepted for a year a telephone line where the operation of smuggling immigrants from the border of the United States to an auto repair shop was discovered. and several residences in the greater Phoenix area.

Investigators determined that Ochoa-Vásquez and his accomplices also threatened the families of undocumented immigrants who were late with payments.

More than 1.4 million dollars in cash and various weapons and ammunition were found at the residence of Ochoa-Vásquez and his accomplice, Carlos Barron-Arredondo, according to the Justice Department.

Several accounting books were also found where the payments of more than 7,000 migrants were recorded.

The Mexican pleaded guilty last December so he avoided going to trial and facing a greater penalty if found guilty.

In addition to Ochoa-Vásquez and Barron-Arredondo, twelve other people were detained as part of the investigation. They all pleaded guilty.

With information from EFE




Author Profile

Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

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