The Wages Of Illegal Immigration

Source: Miami Herald

Men charged with murder in immigrant smuggling case

Miami (AP) -- A boat captain and first mate already charged with a deadly smuggling operation face new charges for a similar boat trip that left two illegal immigrants dead, authorities said Tuesday.

Rickey Thompson and Leon Brice Johnson arranged to transport six illegal immigrants from the Bahamas, to Palm Beach County aboard Thompson's 35 foot vessel August 16, 2006. The immigrants paid between $1,500 to $4,000 and were told Thompson would drop them off on the beach or in water no higher than their ankles, according to a statement from Miami U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta.

Thompson stopped the boat in deep, rough waters off the shore of Jupiter Island and ordered the aliens off the boat. Several jumped, but those who could not swim stayed on the boat.

Johnson forced them off the boat at gun point and two drowned, according to the indictment. The bodies of a man and woman were found floating in nearby waters.

Authorities also uncovered several duffel bags containing about 12 kilograms of cocaine.

Thompson and Johnson were charged with murder, alien smuggling and narcotics trafficking charges. They face the same charges for a similar December 2006 smuggling trip from the Bahamas to Jupiter Island. One woman died during that trip.

So long as people are allowed to come in any way but the front door? You will have stories like this.

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