An illegal immigrant from Guatemala has been charged in New Jersey with submitting false sponsorship applications to gain custody of two unaccompanied alien children. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI.
According to ICE acting Director Todd Lyons, "Attempting to exploit the sponsorship system to gain custody of unaccompanied alien children puts those minors at serious risk." He emphasized ICE's commitment to detecting deception and protecting at-risk children.
The criminal complaint alleges that Luciano Tinuar Quino, also known as “Luciano Tinuar Guino,” 57, who entered the United States illegally in 2016, submitted multiple fraudulent applications under penalties of perjury. These applications were aimed at sponsoring two unaccompanied alien children (UACs) through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
ORR acting Director Angie M. Salazar stated, "Protecting children means holding individuals accountable when they use deception to exploit our systems." She highlighted ORR's swift action in identifying the fraud.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi criticized previous border policies, saying they "created chaos and allowed bad actors to prey upon the most vulnerable among us." U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey reaffirmed their dedication to child safety: "We will continue to bring to justice those who take advantage of our country’s Unaccompanied Alien Children program."
FBI Director Kash Patel warned against attempts to undermine laws and target children: "This was a clear attempt from an individual unlawfully in the United States seeking to undermine our laws."
Tinuar Quino faces charges related to false information submission for obtaining custody of another UAC as well. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison on each count.
The charges stem from Joint Task Force Alpha's coordinated efforts targeting human smuggling networks impacting public safety and border security. To date, JTFA's work has led to over 365 arrests and numerous convictions.
The investigation involves ICE Homeland Security Investigations, FBI Newark field offices, DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, ORR assistance, and other partners.
Senior Trial Attorney Christian Levesque, JTFA Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Sussman are prosecuting with support from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.
Operation Take Back America is part of this case’s framework aiming at combating illegal immigration and transnational crime.
ICE HSI continues its role in investigating exploitive smuggling networks involving UACs within its jurisdiction.
Reports on suspicious activity can be made via ICE Tip Line available 24/7 at 866-DHS-2-ICE.
It should be noted that a complaint is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
