NEWARK, N.J. — A Guatemalan national residing unlawfully in the United States has been charged with making false statements to federal authorities in an effort to gain custody of two unaccompanied alien children, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.

Luciano Tinuar Quino, also known as Luciano Tinuar Guino, 57, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey for allegedly submitting false sponsorship applications to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in 2022.

New jersey sanctuary migrant forged docs to falsely claim children that weren't his — Photo: new jersey sanctuary migrant forged docs to falsely claim children that weren't his

Prosecutors allege that Tinuar Quino, who illegally entered the U.S. in 2016, falsely claimed to be the father of two Guatemalan minors—ages 15 and 17—who entered the United States illegally. In both cases, he used false names, fraudulent identification documents, and fabricated claims of parental relationships in an attempt to gain custody.

In the first instance, authorities say Tinuar Quino claimed his name was “A.S.T.” and submitted a photoshopped image as evidence of a relationship with the 15-year-old boy’s mother. ORR approved the application and transferred the child from Texas to New Jersey. A second application filed in June 2022 for custody of a 17-year-old male under the alias “J.R.M.” was denied by ORR.

Federal agencies cite risk to children, vow enforcement

“This prosecution is an example of my office’s dedication to keeping children safe,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District of New Jersey.

The FBI and ICE stated that the case reflects broader efforts to prevent abuse of the Unaccompanied Alien Children program and ensure the safety of vulnerable minors. “Attempting to exploit the sponsorship system to gain custody of unaccompanied alien children puts those minors at serious risk,” said ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons.

Tinuar Quino faces charges of submitting false statements under penalty of perjury. If convicted, he could face significant federal penalties. The investigation remains ongoing.

Officials did not confirm whether the children involved remain in federal custody or were placed with other sponsors.

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