22 suspected illegal aliens rounded up at Ball apartment complex; INS takes over investigation

Mar 23, 2007

Complaints of loud noises and music, along with suspected illegal drug and prostitution activity, at a Ball apartment complex led to as many as 22 suspected illegal aliens being rounded up Thursday, authorities reported.

Ball Mayor Roy Hebron said today the investigation has now been turned over to Immigration and Naturalization Service officials out of Lafayette and Lake Charles.

Hebron said he'd responded himself to complaints about a variety of disturbances reported at the Beeson Road apartment complex.

Among the concerns was that zoning ordinances were being violated, Hebron said.

The mayor said it's not allowed to have 50 to 75 people living between five apartments in shifts.

Hebron expressed frustration with the situation because an earlier meeting had been held with apartment complex owners concerning the numerous complaints.

Ball police were notified as well as the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office, which assisted in the roundup.

The mayor said some of the suspects were found to have two Social Security cards and two sets of identification.

Hebron said the illegal aliens were working for a subcontractor who works for Plastipak.

Plastipak site manager Todd Tackett responded in an e-mail this afternoon that it is Plastipak Packaging, Inc.’s practice to not hire associates, or contract with companies that hire associates, that are unauthorized to work in the United States.

"We do not condone such practices and we comply with employment verification requirements," Tackett states.

"Plastipak is immediately addressing this issue with the subcontractor," he states.

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