Thread: Illegal smugglers relying on legitimite(?) businesses

Immigrant smugglers in the Southwest are relying on seemingly legitimate businesses for help
Associated Press - November 21, 2007 6:33 PM ET

PHOENIX (AP) - Investigators say smugglers need help getting illegal immigrants across borders and in some cases, they're getting it from on-the-surface legitimate businesses.

Authorities say a small number of car dealerships, motels, travel agents and taxi drivers offer help and advice to smugglers looking to get people into the U.S.

While they offer no hard numbers, officials say the biggest concentration of such businesses is in Arizona, where immigrant smuggling is believed to be a nearly $2 billion-a-year business.

Only a small number of businesses have been prosecuted, because authorities have to prove they were aware they were breaking the law.

In one success story, undercover agents posed as smugglers and rented rooms at six motels in Mesa, Arizona, in 2005. The motel operators were accused of coaching the agents on how to conceal their illegal activities.
http://www.kdbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=7395079

In one success story, undercover agents posed as smugglers and rented rooms at six motels in Mesa, Arizona, in 2005. The motel operators were accused of coaching the agents on how to conceal their illegal activities

Isn't it sad that there are a lot of people who will do anything for a buck?