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Aviation News Item: 02929
10th Dec 2009
Feds Hope To Confiscate Illegal Immigrants' Airplane
Source: aero-news.net
 Says He Lied On FAA Registration Documents
The U.S. Attorney's Office in McAllen, Texas wants to seize an airplane belonging to Jorge Aguiniga, a Houston car dealer being held on charges of illegal immigration.
Aguiniga was arrested on board the airplane, 1978 Beechcraft Model 95-B55, at McCreery Aviation at McAllen airport in July.
Television Station WGBT in Harlingen, Texas reports that Aguiniga first came to the U.S. illegally in the 1970's, and was granted resident status under the U.S. Immigration Reform & Control Act in the late 1980's. However, he was deported following a conviction and three-year sentence on a cocaine charge. Federal prosecutors say he re-entered the U.S. by lying on immigration papers.
Now, they say his airplane is subject to forfeiture because he lied on FAA registration documents, saying he was a resident alien. Aguiniga's attorney says the plane was only operated in the U.S., and neither it or its pilot was engaged in illegal activities. The attorney, Gilberto Hinojosa, said Aguiniga is trying to re-united his family in Mexico, but thinks he should be able to keep his airplane. He said his client would pay fines and penalties to be able to hold on to the aircraft.
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