Citizen Of Ecuador Charged With Harboring Illegal Aliens

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Segundo Francisco Caguana, a citizen of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with harboring aliens, encouraging illegal aliens to reside in the United States, and hiring or recruiting unauthorized aliens for employment. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

            Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 5, 2017, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), received information from the Caledonia Police Department regarding possible illegal aliens residing at 246 North Street in Caledonia, NY, and working for Sunset Roofing Corp. Surveillance operations were conducted between October 30 and November 9, 2017. Special agents observed Caguana arrive at the residence in a brown Toyota Tundra at approximately 6:30 a.m. each morning and enter the residence, before departing approximately a half hour later. Thereafter, multiple Hispanic adult males would depart the residence in two work vans parked in the driveway.    

            On November 14, 2017, ICE-HSI agents and ICE Enforcement Removal Officers (ERO) conducted a joint enforcement operation in an attempt to encounter illegal aliens residing at the 246 North Street residence. ICE-HSI agents and ERO officers identified themselves and conducted interviews with the individuals. Seven of the individuals admitted to being illegally present and illegally working within the United States. Six of the undocumented aliens were arrested for entry without inspection, and one was arrested for visa waiver overstay. All seven were transported to the Batavia Detention Facility for processing.

            The complaint states that all seven of the illegal aliens worked for Caguana and paid him rent to stay at the 246 North Street residence. 

            A records check found that Caguana and his wife are citizens and nationals of Ecuador, currently involved in immigration proceedings, but authorized to work within the United States.

            The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman and was released on conditions.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Field Office Director Thomas E. Feeley.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.