2 arrested in Georgia worksite enforcement operation

SAVANNAH, Ga. A Georgia couple accused of harboring illegal aliens for commercial advantage and then laundering the proceeds was arrested Friday following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Criminal Investigations Division and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Hugo Diaz, 43, and Blanca Diaz, 42, of Evans, Ga., appeared in federal court Monday after being indicted last week by a federal grand jury. The indictment also charges four of the illegal aliens with unlawful entry into the United States. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia Edward J. Tarver said, "The federal government's immigration enforcement responsibilities are an important priority for the Department of Justice. The U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to enforcing all federal criminal laws and criminal immigration laws are no exception. This investigation clearly shows the ability of federal and local law enforcement agencies to work together to achieve justice and to thwart those whose goal is to profit from criminal activity." The indictment charges Hugo and Blanca Diaz with four counts of harboring illegal aliens and one count of money laundering conspiracy. Hugo is also charged with 10 counts of money laundering. Each of these crimes carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of proceeds from Diaz's crimes, including multiple parcels of real estate in Georgia and South Carolina, as well as 10 vehicles. Tarver emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.