Miguel Duarte/Mexico/Harboring Illegal Aliens

ICE San Diego arrested Miguel Duarte, a 34-year-old citizen of Mexico, for violating federal immigration law. Duarte, who is illegally present in the United States, was previously convicted of harboring illegal aliens—a federal offense. He was taken into ICE custody in Southern California after local authorities flagged his prior criminal conviction during an enforcement operation.

Duarte’s conviction stemmed from an incident where he was found to be knowingly sheltering multiple individuals who were unlawfully present in the U.S., providing them with transportation and a place to stay in exchange for payment. The case resulted in a federal charge and subsequent conviction. The details of the case indicate this was not a one-time event but part of a broader effort by Duarte to conceal others from immigration authorities.

Following his conviction, ICE officers initiated enforcement proceedings and placed a detainer on Duarte to ensure his custody upon release. On the day of his ICE arrest, he was taken into custody without incident. He is now being held at an ICE detention facility pending formal removal proceedings.

ICE has confirmed that Duarte does not have lawful immigration status in the United States. Removal proceedings have been initiated and he will remain detained until his case is resolved in immigration court.