Immigration arrests in past 30 days climb to 80

Last Update: 12/11 9:52 pm

Reported by: Brandon Hannifin
ABC15.com

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Human Smuggling Unit stopped another load vehicle late Wednesday, this one with 12 suspected undocumented immigrants inside, according to deputies.

The stop was made on I-17 near Anthem Way after deputies spotted the van traveling with a rear brake light out.

Human smuggling detectives interviewed the occupants and determined that each agreed to pay between $700 and $,1500 for illegal entry into the U.S. and were destined for California and Mississippi, according to MCSO.

Of those found in the vehicle, four were booked into jail on state smuggling and coconspirator charges, a class four felony.

The remaining were juveniles who were turned over to Immigration and Customs officials.

During the past 30 days, Arizona law enforcement officials have arrested 80 suspected undocumented immigrants, according to MCSO.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the time for another crime suppression/human smuggling operation is drawing near.

“We are readying deputies and the posse for a big upcoming operation,â€