Cuban Migrant Smugglers Sentenced to 10 years imprisonment

Story by PA2 Ryan Doss, D7 Public Affairs

MIAMI -- Two men accused of attempting to illegally smuggle Cuban nationals into the United States were sentenced March 20 for the death of a six-year old boy, which resulted from their attempt to flee the Coast Guard in the early morning hours of
Oct. 13, 2005.

Alexander Gil Rodriguez and Luis Manuel Taboada-Cabrera, were sentenced March 20 before United States District Court Judge K. Michael Moore on one count of conspiracy to encourage and induce aliens to come to, enter, and reside in the United States, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv) and 1324(a)(1)(A)(v)(I).  Both defendants were sentenced to 120 months' imprisonment, three years' supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

"The sentencing is a clear example of the federal government's unyielding commitment to bring to justice these unscrupulous smugglers who have no regard for human life," said Jesus Torres, Special Agent-in-Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Miami.  "The death of this child will remain a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."

According to the criminal complaint affidavit, the defendants used a 33-foot boat to travel to Cuba, where 29 Cuban nationals came aboard for the purpose of unlawfully entering the United States. The vessel was detected, traveling without lights, towards the U.S. by the Coast Guard. The defendants disregarded all Coast Guard warnings to stop and attempted to elude the Coast Guard. Following a high-speed chase, the vessel capsized and the defendants were apprehended. During the rescue efforts, it was discovered that a six-year old boy had drowned.      

"We are saddened by the loss of this child, and the family has our deepest sympathy," said Rear Adm. D. Brian Peterman, Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District.  "Today's sentencing of these smugglers sends a clear signal that we will not tolerate smuggling of illegal migrants into the United States," he added.

U.S. Attorney Acosta stated, "As this case tragically confirms, smuggling is not a victimless crime.  An innocent child lost his life and a family was torn apart forever as a result of this smuggling venture.  Today's sentences cannot restore that family's life.  However, the severity of the punishment handed out by the Court is a reflection of the seriousness of the crime and our resolve to help end this tragic human saga."

"Alien smuggling is a crime, and the horrible outcome of this crime is the loss of an innocent child.  The community cannot continue to tolerate the sustained misfortune that results from the activities of alien smugglers, who are placing people in danger for profit." said Thomas S. Winkowski, Director, Field Operations, Miami Field Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The Department of Justice contributed to this article.

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