San Diego business owner John Washburn and three employees at San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings faced a judge for the first time last Friday following a multi-agency raid issued by federal immigration officials. The El Cajon business, known for coatings and powder finishes, became the epicenter of an immigration investigation after authorities served a search warrant last Thursday.
In the sweep, which involved a coalition of law enforcement arms, Washburn, Gilver Martinez-Juanta, Miguel Angel Leal-Sanchez, and Fernando Casas-Gamboa were arrested on charges. "Washburn was charged with conspiracy to harbor aliens," reported the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The employees were also slapped with using false documents to work in the United States.
The complaint laid out allegations that the general manager employed undocumented workers and even provided housing for them within the company’s premises. As per the ICE news release, the three employees in question are accused of giving a false attestation regarding their immigration status to secure employment at Washburn's business.
During the court appearance, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major set Washburn's bond at $5,000. All defendants are expected back in court on April 8. The sweeping operation was the result of collaboration among various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The prosecution of these cases has fallen to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F.B. Beshar and Michael A. Deshong, who are tasked with navigating the complex waters of immigration and employment law.
