Philadelphia, PA – A former Liberian rebel general who concealed his role in his country’s civil war to obtain U.S. immigration benefits was sentenced Sept. 11 to more than four years in federal prison, immigration officials announced.
Laye Sekou Camara, 47, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, fraudulently secured permanent residency in 2010 by denying involvement in armed conflict, human rights abuses, or the use of child soldiers, according to the investigation.
Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia determined Camara held a leadership role during Liberia’s civil war and facilitated atrocities against civilians, including recruiting children to fight. By failing to disclose this history, he was able to enter the United States and gain lawful immigration status.
“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 HSI 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.”
Camara’s conviction underscores ongoing efforts by federal authorities to pursue human rights offenders who attempt to hide their pasts to gain entry into the country.
Key Points
- Laye Sekou Camara, 47, of Mays Landing, NJ, was sentenced to over four years in federal prison.
- Camara concealed his role as a rebel general in Liberia’s civil war to obtain U.S. immigration benefits.
- Investigators said he facilitated atrocities, including the use of child soldiers.
A rebel commander’s hidden past caught up with him in a Philadelphia courtroom.
