Two men admit to harboring over 31 people

LAREDO, Texas – Two men illegally residing in Laredo have pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Angel Garcia-Garcia, 27, Veracruz, Mexico, and Selvin Antonio Gomez-Garranza, 22, Choluteca, Honduras, pleaded guilty to their roles in conspiring to conceal, harbor or shield 31 non-U.S. citizens.

As part of their pleas, Garcia-Garcia and Gomez-Garranza admitted on April 8, they transported undocumented individuals to a stash house. Gomez-Garranza also admitted to being a caretaker.

Authorities executed a search warrant and discovered 31 people inside the house. They additionally found three ledgers with approximately 350 names listed.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a future date. At that time, both face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Not U.S. citizens, both are expected to also face removal proceedings.

Garcia-Garcia and Gomez-Garranza have been and remain in custody pending that hearing.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isaac is prosecuting the case.