Prosecutor Says Helo Pilot Tried To Use Downwash To Stop Illegal Immigrants

A US Department of Homeland Security pilot is accused of flying low over the Rio Grande River in an attempt to use the downwash from his helicopter to push two would-be illegal immigrants back toward Mexico on December 14, 2005. One of the men in the water, Carlos Delgadillo, a Mexican national, lost his grip on his inner tube and drowned, according to investigators. His body was found later that day near a bridge in Laredo, Texas.

The Houston Chronicle reports the pilot, 41-year-old James Peters, has worked for Homeland Security since 1997, and has recently been stations in Maine. He became a helicopter pilot in 2003. Jury selection was concluded Monday, and Prosecutor Ruben Perez told jurors during opening statements that the pilot lied to investigators about his role.

Thomas Berg, an attorney representing Peters, says his client did not lie, but that there was a misunderstanding with prosecutors. The indictment cites radio transmissions in which Peters told a Border Patrol agent he was going to try to make the individuals "go back."

Peters has pleaded not guilty. He could face five years in prison if convicted.

FMI: www.dhs.gov