Sanctuary Trial Recessed After Juror Falls Ill
Jurors in the alien-smuggling conspiracy trial of 11 sanctuary movement members went home Friday on their second day of deliberations because one juror was ill.
U.S. District Judge Earl H. Carroll excused the panel until Tuesday.
A note from the jury foreman said one juror felt “very ill with stomach and intestinal discomfort as well as respiratory problems,” and asked how to proceed.
The judge met with lawyers and said if the juror was too ill to continue, a recess would be needed.
All the defendants are charged with conspiracy to smuggle Salvadoran and Guatemalan aliens into the United States, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The prosecution contended the defendants violated immigration law in aiding Central Americans who came to the United States for economic reasons. Defendants maintained they lawfully assisted people seeking political asylum and fleeing persecution and violence in their homelands.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
