Immigration Flashpoints

June 15th, 2006 – Yonkers, NY

Miguel Vega, a native of Peru, is walking down the street where he lives when he is attacked and murdered by five men who also steal his wallet. The killers - Abraham Ghaly, David Bendezu, Alexander Mitchell, Joel Lopez, and Rodolfo Ponciano - are charged with murder and robbery. Bendezu, Mitchell, and Lopez have their murder charges upgraded to hate crimes after an investigation finds that they specifically sought a Mexican to rob that night. All five plead guilty and are sentenced to between five and 15 years.