Chilean Crime Tourists Target Michigan Jewelry Stores

In a recent development highlighting the issue of “crime tourism,” four individuals from Chile have been charged with conducting violent smash-and-grab robberies at jewelry stores in Oakland County, Michigan. This comes amid rising concerns about illegal aliens engaging in criminal activities across the United States.

The individuals, identified as Hernan Parraquez-Mondaca, Michael Aguilar-Mondaca, Sandrino Rojas-Palma, and Nicholas Caceres-Hernandez, face charges of felony assault and armed robbery. Their alleged targets included MJ Diamonds and the jewelry section of a Macy’s store in August.

While firearms were not used in these incidents, the group reportedly wore masks and used pepper spray against employees. They also utilized hammers to break open glass cases, making off with valuable jewelry in the process.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has placed detainers on all four suspects. However, details regarding their entry into the United States remain unclear, whether through the southern border or on temporary visas. For now, they are held in Oakland County Jail without the possibility of bail.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard has previously warned about the growing trend of illegal aliens from the southern border engaging in burglaries. He describes this as part of a broader scheme known as “crime tourism.”

“These are transnational gangs that are involved in this that come from South America, looking to do burglaries and violate our communities, not just in Oakland County but across America,” Bouchard noted.

According to Bouchard, these gangs are primarily targeting items such as jewelry, high-end purses and watches, currency, and safes. The stolen goods are often sold at a fraction of their value to fences, who then resell them through various channels.

The issue of crime tourism is not confined to Oakland County. It has been observed across the United States, with lax enforcement of federal immigration laws contributing to the problem. Earlier this year, two illegal aliens in Gulf Shores, Alabama, were arrested for allegedly burglarizing a jewelry store, linked to a theft ring originating from South America.

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