3 Guardsmen Charged With Human Smuggling

[RamboLiberal]

Source: NY Times

Three members of the Texas National Guard helping patrol the Mexican border have been charged with human smuggling after federal agents found one of them in uniform driving a van crammed with 24 illegal immigrants north of Laredo, the Justice Department said Monday.

The guardsmen, including two sergeants, were assigned to Operation Jump Start assisting the Border Patrol and had run multiple smuggling trips at fees of $1,500 to $2,000 per passenger, according to the complaint by the United States attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Don DeGabrielle.

The complaint cited cellphone text messages exchanged among them like “24 will b tuff 2 fit but ill try.”

The driver accused in the case, Pfc. Jose Rodrigo Torres, 26, of Laredo, was arrested late last Thursday. The two other soldiers, Sgt. Julio Cesar Pacheco, 25, also of Laredo, and Sgt. Clarence Hodge Jr., 36, of Fort Worth, were arrested Friday, and all three appeared in federal court in Laredo early Monday. The federal government, citing policy, declined to release their official booking photographs.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/12/us/12texas.html?hp

[Erika]

1. Have we lowered our standards to get cannon fodder for our military

To the point we have less than the most desireable in the Service and Guards?

That question needs to be asked. I say that from the viewpoint of a proud aunt of a Marine now on his third Iraq tour.

[skyounkin]

2. Just about anyone

will do just about anything given enough money.

Even those in uniform unfortunately. Everywhere in this world social structures have those who will want to get more, and they will do almost anything to get it. Could the lower standards be one of the reasons for this happening- yes, definetly. Is it solely the blame? No.

[hogwyld]

3. If it wasn't for our misguided immigration policies

we wouldn't be discussing this. It's time to end this sham.

[underpants]

4. I'M TIRED OF THE GOVERNMENT REGULATING CAPITALISM!!!

:grr:

Where there is a market that demand will be supplied

right?