Illegal aliens caught, then released by deputies
Noah Pransky 1 hr ago Comments (1)

CRYSTAL RIVER, Florida - Citrus County deputies made a surprising discovery Tuesday - 13 illegal aliens riding together in a van. But unable to get U.S. Border Patrol to the scene, they had no choice but to let 12 of them go.



Deputies pulled over Natalicio Venancio-Tolentino, 23, for driving with a clear lens over his license plate, then arrested him when they discovered he was driving without a license. But the 12 aliens he was driving to their job at a straw-bailing company in Lake City could not be held, per Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) policy.



Because illegal immigration is a federal law and there are many complexities surrounding it, CCSO turns all cases over to Border Patrol. But because the incident occurred close to rush hour on Tuesday and the nearest Border Patrol agent was in Tampa, he said he was too far away. The agent suggested deputies get as much information on the aliens, then let them go.



10 Connects will have more on this story tonight at 11.


Citrus County Sheriff's Office

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.as ... yid=132980