Federal prosecutors have exposed what appears to be one of the most brazen illegal-immigrant labor schemes in recent memory — and it all unfolded in the quiet Detroit suburb of Plymouth, Michigan. There, a married couple allegedly built a sprawling commercial plumbing empire on the backs of more than 240 illegal immigrants while pocketing tens of millions of dollars in revenue.
Moises Orduna-Rios, 36, and his wife, Raquel, 30, now face a mountain of federal charges, including conspiracy, harboring illegal aliens for financial gain, transporting unauthorized workers across state lines, and even money laundering. Their arrest comes as President Donald Trump intensifies his nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration, reminding Americans why strong enforcement — not sanctuary-state fantasies — is necessary.
According to federal prosecutors, the Ordunas operated Orduna Plumbing Inc., a business with operations stretching across Michigan, New York, Ohio, and North Carolina. Agents say the company raked in an astounding **$74 million** in customer revenue between January 2022 and August 2025 — while apparently using illegal foreign laborers to do the work.
The numbers prosecutors uncovered are staggering: of the 253 people hired by the company from January 2022 to December 2024, **only seven** were legally permitted to work in the United States. The rest were illegal immigrants — many of whom prosecutors say had their passports seized by the couple, then housed in “overcrowded” properties and cheap hotel rooms to keep them out of sight.
Federal agents detained at least 23 illegal immigrants allegedly tied to the operation after raids in New York and North Carolina. Over the summer, Border Patrol discovered nine more living in what investigators described as a “small, sparsely furnished” Rochester residence — another example of the inhumane conditions that routinely accompany illegal-labor exploitation.
Investigators also uncovered messages showing that Moises Orduna-Rios seemed fully aware of the illegal nature of his workforce. In a February 2025 group chat, he warned employees:
“Gentlemen, with all the controversy that is going on, it’s better to get ready… limit yourselves going to the store… do not have any gatherings such as barbeques.”
In other words: stay hidden.
Financial records reportedly show that the Ordunas used multiple bank accounts to funnel payments to the illegal workers, a tactic prosecutors say was meant to make their operation harder to track. Both suspects made their initial court appearance this week in the Eastern District of Michigan and were released on bond, with a follow-up appearance scheduled for December 2 in New York.
Alongside the immigration-related charges, the couple also faces serious accusations of money laundering — charges that could add years to their sentence. If convicted, the Ordunas could face **up to 10 years in prison**, plus **$3,000 in fines for every illegal immigrant** they allegedly hired.
This case is yet another reminder of the rampant exploitation — and massive financial incentives — driving the illegal-immigration crisis. While Democrats in Washington and blue-state governors encourage open borders and turn a blind eye to illegal labor, President Trump’s Justice Department continues exposing schemes like this one, cracking down on those who profit off the shadows, and fighting to restore law, order, and fairness to America’s workforce.
