A Michigan couple, Moises and Raquel Orduna-Rios, is facing federal charges after prosecutors alleged they built a plumbing business on the backs of undocumented labor.
Authorities say the pair employed roughly 253 people through Orduna Plumbing Inc., but only six workers were legally authorized to work in the U.S. They are also accused of housing more than 250 undocumented employees in overcrowded homes and hotel rooms.
According to federal prosecutors, Orduna Plumbing brought in an estimated $74 million between January 2022 and August 2025. Investigators allege the couple kept tight control over workers by collecting their passports, paying them through accounts the couple managed, and coordinating efforts designed to avoid detection by law enforcement.
In one message sent by Moises to employees in a group chat, he warned them to keep a low profile amid growing scrutiny: “Gentlemen, with all the controversy that is going on, its better to get ready, drive the speed limit, limit yourselves going to the store, only do minimal running of errands, and do not have any gatherings such as barbeques…”
The Orduna-Rios couple now faces multiple counts, including conspiracy, harboring and transporting unauthorized immigrants, employing unauthorized workers, and money laundering. If convicted, they could receive significant prison sentences and fines tied to each worker involved, prosecutors said.
