Eight migrant workers on lawful visas were arrested for allegedly looting in the wake of Hurricane Helene in Tennessee, and the community is enraged.
At a Glance
- Eight migrant workers were arrested for allegedly looting properties in Tennessee after Hurricane Helene.
- The incident occurred in Washington County, which experienced severe flooding.
- The suspects were accused of looting in one of the county’s flood zones.
- The alleged looters were held on $20,000 bonds and were expected to appear in court.
Migrant Workers Arrested for Looting After Hurricane Helene in Tennessee
If you thought the illegal aliens abusing American hospitality and decency couldn’t stoop any lower, then think again.
Eight migrant workers on lawful work visas were detained in Washington County, Tennessee, for allegedly engaging in looting activities following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Facing charges of burglary and aggravated burglary, these arrests come amid catastrophic flooding, home destruction, and vital rescue operations. The hurricane’s effects resulted in at least 128 fatalities and widespread community disruption. The specifics concerning the properties looted—whether private homes or businesses—are still unknown. The arrested individuals each received a $20,000 bond and are scheduled for court appearances soon.
Three men, identified as Jesus Leodan Garcia-Peneda, Josue Berardo Ortis-Valdez, and Ersy Leonel Ortis-Valdez, were charged with burglary. The other five men, Albin Nahun Vega-Rapalo, David Bairon Rapalo-Rapalo, Kevin Noe Martinez-Lopez, Marvin Hernandez-Martinez, and Dayln Gabriel Guillen Guillen, faced charges of aggravated burglary for breaking into occupied structures. As the suspects are legally in the country on work visas, Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately provide further information on their status.
“The eight migrant workers were arrested on Saturday.”
8 migrant workers accused of looting in flood-ravaged Tennessee following Hurricane Helene: sheriff’s office https://t.co/CSkxUrjxa5 pic.twitter.com/xFdihGsn7l
— New York Post (@nypost) September 30, 2024
Helene’s Destruction and Community Impact
Hurricane Helene unleashed over 40 trillion gallons of water in Tennessee, resulting in devastating floods. Power outages left nearly 1.5 million residents in the Carolinas and Georgia in darkness. Unicoi County Hospital had to evacuate over fifty patients and care workers to the roof due to the raging Nolichucky River. Tragically, 128 deaths were reported across six states because of the storm.
Tennessee’s NOAA and local disaster management teams continue to rescue stranded residents and assess damages. The Kisner Bridge collapsed, and Greene County faced severe flooding with multiple bridges destroyed. Officials are working around the clock to restore order and aid the affected communities.
BREAKING REPORT: 8 Migrant Workers CHARGED WITH LOOTING in Tennessee After Hurricane Helene Flooding
Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene on Saturday, a group of migrant workers is accused of looting in a flood-affected area of Tennessee, reports a local sheriff's… pic.twitter.com/DlfDn9mpSn
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) September 30, 2024