Police: Driver illegal
Published: Saturday, May 16, 2009 4:14 AM EDT

A traffic stop in Beaver Meadows will lead to the deportation of a man who has been in the country illegally for 18 years, according to police Chief Mike Morresi.

Jose Palacios, 37, a Mexican with an Indiana driver’s license and driving a van with an Illinois registration, was stopped for speeding through Beaver Meadows on Friday at 3 p.m.

Morresi confirmed Palacios’ status after a check with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The van was impounded and police later discovered it is owned by Efren Puente. Both Palacios and Puente list a Hazleton address of 340 W. First St. Puente was cited for allowing an unauthorized person to operate a motor vehicle.

Palacios will be deported, according to Beaver Meadows police and ICE. Police also filed citations against Palacios for speeding and operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Police said all citations were filed at District Judge Joseph Homanko’s office.

(em. added, ST)

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Beaver Meadows is a small town about a 5 minute drive from Hazleton city limits.