San Antonio Resident Dubbed Guilty
A San Antonio woman has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after facing allegations of aiding in the smuggling of immigrants across the U.S. border. Kimberley Cruz, 35, is also accused of accepting over $276,000 from migrants for providing these services.
A Deceptive Scheme
According to the U.S. Justice Department, between April and October of 2019, more than 95 migrants hired Cruz for her smuggling services. The process was complex: individuals hoping to cross the border would supply Cruz with packets of information, which she would later use to present herself as a legal advocate at the Eagle Pass Point of Entry to border agents, officials allege.
Cruz then proceeded to tell the border representatives that her clients were allowed to enter the U.S. for 24 to 48 hours in order to attend U.S. Customs and Immigration Services appointments. Once the immigrants were granted temporary entry, Cruz took them to San Antonio. Depending on each case, she either reunited them with family members or left them at airports or bus terminals to continue their journey.
Legal Consequences
Cruz was arrested on October 29, 2019, and later pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on October 25, 2021. Chief Judge Alia Moses has ordered Cruz to give up over $271,000 she obtained from immigrants alongside her services. In addition to this forfeiture, Cruz must pay an additional $9,900 in restitution, according to the Justice Department.
A Growing Concern
The rampant cases of illegal immigration and related frauds have become a significant concern for the U.S administration, which is investing substantial resources in reducing these criminal activities. The severe sentencing of Kimberley Cruz serves as a stern warning to individuals involved in similar illegal acts.
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