2 ‘coyotes’ nabbed at Phoenix drop house, 14 victims freed

Last Update: 11:08 am

PHOENIX -- Authorities say they've arrested two human smugglers and freed 14 undocumented immigrants who were being held against their will at a house in west Phoenix.

Authorities discovered the residence was being used as a "drop house" for illegal immigration when they went to the site for a welfare check Saturday night.

Phoenix Police Department spokesperson James Holmes said police got a call from an unidentified woman who claimed that her relatives were being held for ransom by at least 3 "coyotes" at the home.

Police surrounded the house and eventually arrested two suspected human smugglers.

Officers reportedly learned the victims had paid $1,500-$7,000 to be transported into the U.S. and the coyotes were demanding an additional $3,000 for their release.

Holmes said 28-year-old Omar Gonzalez-Franco and a second unidentified suspect, were booked into jail for human smuggling and kidnapping related offenses.

Officials say that the 14 undocumented immigrants had apparently been held for up to one week in deplorable conditions and some of them reported being pistol whipped.



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