Woman, 46, accused of smuggling immigrants
By Diana Washington Valdez / El Paso Times
Article Launched: 05/20/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT


A fourth suspect was arrested Monday in El Paso in connection with an immigrant smuggling case allegedly involving a U.S. Border Patrol agent, officials announced.
Rosa Isela Escajeda, 46, a Mexican citizen, was arrested at her home in the Lower Valley, and charged with conspiracy to commit immigrant smuggling.

Escajeda "conspired with others, including Border Patrol Agent Jesus Miguel Huizar, from January 2005 to present, to smuggle over 100 illegal (immigrants) into the United States from Mexico," according to the indictment against them.

"Specifically, Escajeda allegedly harbored numerous undocumented immigrants in her residence at 308 Ronquillo in El Paso," it said.

An initial appearance is scheduled for Escajeda today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Mesa. She faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.

Also on Monday, a federal judge found Huizar was a potential flight risk and ordered him detained without bond pending trial.

Co-defendants Emeterio Sigala-Favela and Luis Carlos Chacon-Rubio, both Mexican citizens, waived their right to a detention hearing and agreed to remain in custody pending the outcome of the case.

All four suspects are in custody at the El Paso County Jail.

Diana Washington Valdez may be reached at dvaldez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6140.







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