MCSO: 20 illegal immigrants found in investigation
By KTAR Newsroom
Originally published: Jul 19, 2012 - 3:11 pm
Twenty illegal aliens, including three minors, were apprehended Wednesday night as part of an investigation, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.
The investigation began when a vehicle was found in the north part of the Valley containing 14 illegal immigrants. The people in the vehicle told deputies they had each paid between $300 and $4,500 to be smuggled to New Mexico, North Carolina, Michigan, Alabama, Florida or Kentucky.
Two minors, ages 7 and 13, were found in the vehicle. They did not know anyone else in the vehicle, but said they were supposed to be reunited with their mothers.
The investigation led MCSO deputies to a Mesa drop house, where six more illegal immigrants were discovered, including a 15-year-old boy.
All the suspects told deputies they were Mexican nationals, aside from one person who said they were from Guatemala.
Sixteen suspects were booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail and the three minors, along with one of the minor's mother, were turned over to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
MCSO: 20 illegal immigrants found in investigation - Phoenix News - KTAR.com
