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January 19, 2007

ICE comments on Tyrone Williams' sentence of life imprisonment

HOUSTON - A federal jury in the Southern District of Texas yesterday imposed a life sentence on Tyrone Williams, 36, the driver of the tractor trailer in which 19 illegal aliens perished after they were smuggled into the United States in May 2003. In response to this sentence, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued the following statements:

"Nothing can change the tragic outcome of the events in Victoria, Texas, more than three years ago," said Julie L. Myers, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "However, justice is served from today's sentencing. Our ICE agents diligently investigated this case with these severe consequences in mind. We hope this significant sentence will help dissuade potential alien smugglers away from this dangerous, dehumanizing and illegal business."

Last month, Tyrone Williams was convicted by the same federal jury in the Southern District of Texas on all 58 counts against him for transporting and smuggling illegal aliens inside his sweltering tractor trailer" said Bob Rutt, special agent-in-charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Houston. "This case has been referred to as the deadliest human smuggling case in the history of the United States. It highlights the ever-present dangers of alien smuggling, and the callous disregard alien smugglers have for human life. His conviction on all 58 counts demonstrates ICE's commitment to pursuing these criminals who neglect and abuse people solely to maximize their illegal profit."

The U.S. Attorney's press releases on the sentencing/conviction can be found at these Internet links:

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txs/releases/January2007/070118-Williams.htm

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txs/releases/December2006/061204-Williams.htm

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

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