DPS: Illegal Immigrants Found in Business

POSTED: 2:54 pm MST February 16, 2009
UPDATED: 4:39 pm MST February 16, 2009


PHOENIX -- Sixteen suspected illegal immigrants were found in a Phoenix business being used as a drop house after police received an anonymous tip.

Phoenix police said the illegal immigrants were being held against their will in Espana Custom Cabinets, an active woodworking business in a small warehouse on Osborn Avenue.

While Phoenix police searched the business, three smugglers tried to escape, said Harold Sanders of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. They were caught when canine units were deployed.

Detectives said the group of immigrants paid $1,600 to be brought into the U.S. and the smugglers were threatening violence against the immigrants unless they provided another $2,800.

Two of the smugglers are currently hospitalized and the third is being interviewed, Sanders said.

They will be charged with smuggling, extortion, kidnapping and other possible felony charges.

The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Illegal Immigration Prevention and Co-op Team.


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