Initially. five people were arrested In San Francisco in connection with the arrival of the two ships. These five smugglers were sentenced in June 1994 to justto just 2 years in prison. What is interesting Is that it is clear from the level of sophistication in this particular operation that organized smuggling of illegal aliens is now becoming a huge business. It is estimated at more than $3 billion a year. It is also clear from the relatively light sentences imposed on those involved that the current penalties do not outweigh the fortune illegal alien smugglers win by breaking the law. And that is the point of my remarks today. Since August 1991. at least 21 boatloads carrying almost 3.000 illegal aliens have been intercepted in U.S. waters by American authorities. 3 near Los Angeles. 4 outside San Diego. and 3 in San Francisco. including the 2 ships involved in this story. The State Department estimates that today there are at least 50 ships used by smugglers. or being constructed to smuggle immigrants. Smugglers cram hundreds of illegal immigrants into decrepit ships in inhumane. cramped quarters where all kinds of abuse often occurs. They are often subject to near starvation. They arrive to lives as indentured workers. and they struggle to pay off their crossing debts which reportedly are around $25.000 to $30.000. Currently the maximum penalty for this kind of smuggling is 5 years. The 23 people indicted in these sealed indictments. these sealed arrest indictments. will be charged with 4 counts. including conspiracy. transportation and harboring of illegal aliens. Each count carries a maximum penalty of just 5 years and a fine of S250.000. If past sentences handed down in similar cases serve as any Indication.
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illegal immigrants illegal aliens immigrants illegal alien