Missouri sets up 3 joint immigration task forces
By KSPR News

Story Updated: Oct 7, 2008

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The state Highway Patrol and federal immigration authorities plan to set up three joint task forces in Missouri to focus on illegal immigration.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol plans to use 18 troopers who have received special federal training to staff task force offices in Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis. The units will be called the Missouri Gateway Task Force and were formally created by an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement signed by Gov. Matt Blunt last week.

Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. John Hotz says the troopers will focus on crimes such as harboring illegal immigrants, transporting illegal immigrants and human trafficking. Those troopers assigned to the task forces are to spend one week every quarter working in the federal immigration offices.

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/30562259.html