Thread: AZ: Border agents catch 62 illegal immigrants near Naco

Border agents catch 62 illegal immigrants near Naco
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

U.S. Border Patrol agents working near Naco have caught a large group of illegal immigrants.

Agents were patrolling west of the port of entry at Naco on Saturday when they discovered a series of footprints. That led them to believe that a group comprised of a large number of people had crossed into the country from Mexico.

Spokesman Rob Daniels said Monday that the agents tracked the footprints and came across 62 illegal immigrants in the Coronado National Memorial.

He says some people believed to be guides broke off and fled back into Mexico.

Most of the group stayed in place and were taken into custody, with 55 of them processed for repatriation to Mexico.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/crime/253331.php

Task force arrests 6 suspected human smugglers
Aug. 18, 2008 05:55 PM
Associated Press

A task force made up of Department of Public Safety, federal immigration and Phoenix police have arrested six suspected human smugglers.

Detectives from the Illegal Immigration Prevention and Apprehension Co-op Team or IIMPACT also rescued 15 undocumented immigrants.

DPS says the case began August 14th when IIMPACT detectives uncovered information about a victim being extorted for money by human smugglers or "coyotes."
Detectives went to two west Phoenix homes and arrested the six suspected smugglers. They were charged with human smuggling. Eight illegal immigrants were also rescued.

The investigation also led detectives to a west Phoenix motel where seven undocumented immigrants were being held.
http://tinyurl.com/6nwvm4