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27 workers, two supervisors arrested at rose-growing plant




Last Update: 02/09/2007 7:50:00 PM
By: Associated Press


ANIMAS, N.M. (AP) - Federal agents say they found 27 illegal immigrants working at a rose growing business in the small southwest New Mexico town of Animas.

Two of the plant’s supervisors were arrested.

The arrests were made Thursday at the Burgett Geothermal Greenhouses Inc. plant. The business grows roses and sells them to flower wholesalers and retailers.

The two supervisors arrested were 40-year-old Martin Lazaro Neave of Lordsburg and 31-year-old Nancy Hernandez of Cotton City, N.M.

Neave was charged with conspiracy to employ illegal aliens, unlawfully employing illegal aliens and knowingly hiring undocumented workers. Hernandez was charged with conspiracy to employ illegal aliens.

Agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency said the 27 workers found at the plant were all men. They were living in dilapidated mobile homes on the 32-acre site where the plant is located.

The men ranged in age from 19 to 72.