Cornhusker State News

An Omaha couple has pleaded guilty to charges of bringing in and harboring aliens, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods. Miguel Angel Salazar-Zuniga, 37, originally from Mexico, entered his plea on July 17 before United States Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Carson in Omaha. Angela Rocio Urrutia Cruz, 35, originally from Colombia, pleaded guilty the following day before the same judge.

Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for October 15, 2025, before United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher. Each faces a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. As part of their plea agreements, Salazar-Zuniga and Urrutia Cruz agreed to forfeit their residence on North 34th Street in Omaha which was used during the commission of these crimes.

The couple owned two businesses—MASU Construction LLC and Angela’s Cleaning Services LLC—and used their North 34th Street property as a residence.

From May 1, 2022 through May 28, 2025 Salazar-Zuniga and Urrutia Cruz encouraged multiple individuals to enter and live illegally in the United States.

According to court documents and admissions by Salazar-Zuniga, one Mexican national who crossed into the country near Nogales, Arizona in November 2024 with his family lived at the couple's North 34th Street home. He paid $300 per month rent and worked for MASU Construction LLC earning $800 weekly.

Urrutia Cruz admitted involvement in arranging for a Colombian citizen’s illegal entry into the United States in September 2023 by sending money transfers to cover food expenses and payment for a “coyote.” She also arranged travel logistics after this individual was encountered by border agents; once inside the country he lived with the couple on North 34th Street paying $160 monthly toward rent and other costs while working for Angela’s Cleaning Services LLC.

"This case is part of the Take Back America Task Force," stated officials. "Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime."

Homeland Security Investigations led this case with support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well as several other federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Marshals Service (USMS), and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF).