Detectives rescue 34 immigrants from Phoenix home


Associated Press - December 26, 2008 8:34 PM ET

PHOENIX (AP) - Detectives rescued 34 undocumented immigrants Friday afternoon from a fortified west Phoenix home.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety says the illegal immigrants were being held against their will and that smugglers demanded money for their release.

DPS and other law enforcement detained three suspected immigrant smugglers.

Of the 34 rescued immigrants, eight are female and 28 are male.

Four were taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

Inside, the residence contained fortified windows with what is believed to be a "guard post area" to prevent escape.

The smugglers even kept the immigrants' shoes to prevent them from escaping.

The suspected smugglers face possible charges of extortion, kidnapping, aggravated and sexual assault.

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