Immigration Raids on Taquerias Net 21 Arrests
Wednesday May 23, 2007 7:10pm




Springdale (AP) - Federal immigrations agents raided several Mexican restaurants in northwest Arkansas, resulting in 21 arrests.

Federal prosecutor Robert Balfe said Wednesday that the raids happened at Taqueria Michoacan restaurants in Springdale, Rogers and Lowell.

Agents and local police served four search warrants Monday, arresting 21 illegal immigrants, including Honorato Pedroza and Gema Rivera, described by prosecutors as the leaders of the group.

Agents also found $40,000 and seized 28 bags of business records.

Pedroza faces charges of operating an illegal money-wiring operation, while Rivera is accused of forging immigration documents.

A federal judge ordered the two men be held in jail pending future court hearings.

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