MEMORANDUM **

Rufino Valdez-Lopez appeals from his jury-trial conviction and 240-month sen *713 tence for conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(l)(A)(iii), (a)(l)(A)(v)(I) and (II); harboring illegal aliens, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(l)(A)(ii) and (a)(l)(A)(v)(II); conspiracy to commit hostage taking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1203; hostage taking and aiding and abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1203 and 2; and possession or use of a firearm in a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2. Pursuant to An-ders v. California, 386 U.S. 738, 87 S.Ct. 1396, 18 L.Ed.2d 493 (1967), Valdez-Lopez’s counsel has filed a brief stating there are no grounds for relief, along with a motion to withdraw as counsel of record. We have provided the appellant with the opportunity to file a pro se supplemental brief. No pro se supplemental brief or answering brief has been filed.

Our independent review of the record pursuant to Penson v. Ohio, 488 U.S. 75, 80-81, 109 S.Ct. 346, 102 L.Ed.2d 300 (1988), discloses no arguable grounds for relief on direct appeal.

Accordingly, counsel’s motion to withdraw is GRANTED, and the district court’s judgment is AFFIRMED.