Thread: Illegal immigrant smuggler sentenced

http://www.rockymountainnews.com

Illegal immigrant smuggler sentenced
By Sue Lindsay, Rocky Mountain News
July 12, 2006

A Mexican national who crashed a van carrying 13 illegal immigrants last spring was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison.

Jorge Apolinar Bernal-Estrada, 28, who has been living illegally in the United States for 10 years, was on his way to Pennsylvania with a load of Mexican illegal immigrants when his van spun out of control on an icy stretch of Interstate 70 east of Limon.

Bernal-Estrada’s vehicle rolled over, seriously injuring one passenger, who was airlifted to the hospital. The other passengers were taken to a hospital in Burlington.

The accident took place March 14, at a time several other vehicles transporting illegals were involved in crashes on other Colorado wintry roads.

The passengers told authorities they had paid someone between $1,500 to $2,500 to transport them out of Mexico and had illegally entered the U.S. along the Arizona border, according to court records.

They said Bernal-Estrada picked them up at a safe house or hotel in Phoenix for the rest of the trip.

Bernal-Estrada, who has no prior record of arrests here, told the judge through an interpreter that he came to the United States to "work hard" and make money to feed his family. He has a pregnant wife and child in Mexico.

Bernal-Estrada has lived in Pennsylvania during most of the 10 years he has been in this country, said his attorney, Edward Pluss.

Although smugglers in the "coyote" system, typically are paid $2,000 or more to bring illegal immigrants into the United States, Pluss said "it is not clear what money he received or if he did receive any."

Bernal-Estrada will be deported after serving his federal sentence.

U.S. District Judge Lewis T. Babcock warned him that he faces another lengthy prison term if he returns to the U.S. after serving his sentence. An illegal re-entry conviction carries a sentence of up to 20 years.

"You will be tempted to come back to this country," Babcock said. "It is very important that you not re-enter this country illegally."

Bernal-Estrada shook his head that he would not return after deportation.

"You’re shaking your head no. People say that, but I’ve seen it over and over again," Babcock said. "You will be spending the best part of your life in a federal penitentiary if you don’t abide by that law."

Bernal-Estrada shook his head that he would not return after deportation.

Anyone who believes this, please stand on your head.