Honduran national sentenced to more than 8 years in federal prison for conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens

HOUSTON - A Honduran national was sentenced on Friday to 100 months in federal prison for attempting to kidnap illegal aliens. This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).



Kenneth Barahona, 19, Honduran national, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Sim Lake Nov. 5 to eight years and four months in prison for conspiracy to harbor aliens and possessing a firearm. Barahona is subject to deportation after he completes his prison sentence.



The investigation by ICE agents in Houston began on March 29 after reports of gunshots were called in by residents of the 220 block of Vashti Drive. Multiple reports were received of individuals running through yards, jumping fences and hiding in the vicinity. Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) deputies arrived at the scene and discovered Barahona who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.



Barahona admitted to the attempted kidnapping of more than 20 illegal aliens by wearing an ICE T-shirt. During the attempt, Barahona and a guard at the house exchanged gunfire with both individuals suffering multiple gunshot wounds.



As part of the investigation, ICE HSI agents discovered and seized at the residence one SKS rifle, and three handguns: a .357, a 9mm, and an Uzi 9mm. Three criminal and 22 administrative arrests were made at multiple locations as a part of the investigation.



Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Elmilady, Southern District of Texas, prosecuted the case.