Feds: 13 suspected illegal immigrants arrested

Associated Press - July 24, 2008 6:24 PM ET

LITTLE ROCK (AP) - Authorities say federal immigration agents arrested 13 suspected illegal immigrants during a raid at North Little Rock boat manufacturer.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the raid Wednesday at Waco Manufacturing, home of AlohaPontoons.com. ICE spokesman Temple Black says agents arrested 13 men from Guatemala and Mexico.

U.S. Attorney Jane Duke says the investigation into the pontoon boat manufacturer began when ICE agents received a tip that the business employed illegal immigrants. Duke says Aloha Pontoons cooperated with the agent's investigation.

The 13 men are scheduled to appear Friday morning before U.S. District Judge James M. Moody.

Thomas Cox, president of Aloha Pontoons, said the inquiries about his employees came as a surprise. Duke says she does not anticipate filing any charges against the company.
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