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October 24, 2007

ICE arrests man accused of harboring illegal aliens


SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - A man accused of harboring illegal aliens was arrested here this morning by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents following an ICE investigation that resulted in his indictment by a federal grand jury last week.

Orlando Torres-Rodriguez, 31, was indicted Friday for violations to Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.

On Oct. 8, 2007, ICE special agents responded to the landing of approximately 70 illegal aliens from the Dominican Republic near Barrio Esperanza in Manati, Puerto Rico. Three Dominican nationals, two females and one male tragically died during the smuggling venture.

During the incident, Torres-Rodriguez was detained by officers from the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) after finding 11 illegal aliens in a small dwelling under his custody. A subsequent ICE investigation revealed that Torres-Rodriguez harbored the group for financial gain.

"Aiding, transporting and harboring illegal aliens are serious crimes that ICE investigates and will present to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution," said Roberto Escobar Vargas, acting special agent-in-charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Puerto Rico.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of any guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eugenio A. Lomba.

-- ICE --
http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/newsreleases ... anjuan.htm