Ypsilanti Couple Accused of Harboring Immigrants

Last Edited: Tuesday, 07 Oct 2008, 9:58 PM EDT
Created: Tuesday, 07 Oct 2008, 9:58 PM EDT
By The Associated Press


DETROIT -- The government says a Washtenaw County couple converted their basement into bedrooms for illegal immigrants who worked in their restaurant.

Trial opened Tuesday in federal court in Detroit for Guan Chen and his former wife, Hoa (Hoy) Le Chen. They're charged with harboring illegal immigrants in Ypsilanti by providing work, transportation and a place to live in late 2006 and early 2007.

The Chens have pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say the Chens run the New Garden Buffet in Ann Arbor. Another Ann Arbor restaurant, the Golden Chef, closed after a fire in fall 2006.

In remarks to jurors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Regina McCullough says the Chens kept "several" immigrants in the basement and controlled "every movement." A court filing lists at least four people.

www.myfoxdetroit.com