http://www.wral.com/news/9620320/detail.html

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Six illegal immigrants arrested last month when federal authorities checked the status of construction workers entering Fort Bragg were sentenced Wednesday in federal court.

The six, who range in age from 25 to 35, will be deported when they're released, authorities said. They were among 58 people arrested July 18.

They either faced two charges or had prior arrests. Two men received 120-day sentences, three got 60-day terms and one was sentenced to 30 days behind bars.

Federal prosecutors presented charges of knowingly eluding inspection by immigrations officials and unlawfully possessing false identification.

"Probably the most tragic aspect of all these cases is, in many instances, the persons appearing before me are hardworking family people," said U.S. Magistrate Judge William A. Webb. "The reason this is serious is the industry that it's created. ... We're talking about people who are entering this area's most sensitive military installation at a time when we are in an undeclared war."

Of the 58 people arrested last month, all but 10 were charged with illegal entry into the United States. The other 42 each pleaded guilty to a single charge related to their illegal status, said Steve Gordon, a federal public defender.

The 42 people, who had no criminal history, were released to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency July 21 after three days in jail.

"To my knowledge, they are all in the deportation process if not already back in Mexico," Gordon said after the hearing.