I.C.E. - Smuggling Businesses Raided
Posted on Wednesday, February 03 @ 01:12:38 EST
Topic: immigration and customs enforcement
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 HOUSTON -- Federal agents raided businesses Tuesday as part of a massive crackdown on transportation companies that are suspected of smuggling illegal immigrants into the United States, KPRC Local 2 reported.
The raids are a culmination of Operation Night Moves, a lengthy investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement into transportation companies that federal agents say are fronts for human smuggling operations between Houston and Mexico.
Subjects: Illegal immigration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raids, smuggling illegal immigrants
February 2, 2010
click2houston.com
Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc.
Agents hit one southeast Houston business with force Tuesday morning. Tactical agents ripped the doors off the People's Express Transportation Service, located at 7222 Long Drive.
At least seven people were arrested.
An armored vehicle and tactical team were sent in because agents said the people running the company were armed, had surveillance cameras and used pit bulls as guard dogs.
Agents also raided a house behind the business. Federal agents said illegal immigrants were stashed inside after they had been smuggled into the United States.
"I didn't know anything like that was going on next door. The first moment I knew something was wrong, I saw people running up with guns drawn," witness Alfredo Enriquez said.
Boxes were removed from the business.
At the same time, agents stormed another transportation company, Ramirez Transportation, a few miles away on Park Place Drive. Four people there were arrested.
An arrest warrant was also served at a southeast Houston home near Hobby Airport.
Everyone arrested during the raids were taken to Immigration and Customs Enforcement's processing center in north Houston for thorough questioning.
Federal agents said they had eight search warrants for eight different businesses across Houston.
The details of the investigation are under seal in federal court.
Assistant secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, John Morton, is expected to fly to Houston on Wednesday for a full briefing on the entire operation.
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