ICE investigation results in former Liberian rebel general sentenced to over 4 years for concealing serious human rights violations on immigration forms

PHILADELPHIA - A former Liberian rebel general was sentenced Sept. 11 to more than four years in prison for concealing serious human rights violations to fraudulently obtain immigration status in the United States. Laye Sekou Camara, 47, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, entered the United States on an immigrant visa and lied on his immigration forms by failing to admit he was involved in Liberia's civil war.

"As a leader in Liberia's civil war, Mr. Camara facilitated atrocities against civilians in his own country - including the use of child soldiers," said ICE's Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens. "By concealing his crimes in Liberia, Camara was able to obtain immigration benefits and use those documents to seek employment and a new life in the United States. HSI will not allow the U.S. to become a refuge for human rights violators or for individuals who secure lawful status through deception. We will continue to work with our federal, state and international partners to identify fraud, protect the integrity of the immigration system, and support the prosecutors that hold these offenders accountable."

According to the investigation, in 2010, Camara obtained lawful permanent resident status by falsely stating on immigration forms that he had never participated in extrajudicial killings or other acts of violence; had never been involved with a paramilitary unit, rebel group, or guerilla group; and had never engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers.

HSI Philadelphia investigated the case with assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, and with support from the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center.

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