Thread: Special police unit catches 16 undocumented aliens

A special unit funded by federal money did exactly what it was intended to do early Tuesday evening when officers captured 16 undocumented aliens in Safford.

Thatcher Police Department officer James Whisman and Pima Police Department officer Keith Whitmire were on patrol together as part of the Operation Stonegarden program when they observed a suspicious white Chevy van at about 5:15 p.m. The officers watched as the van nearly collided with another vehicle after making a reckless manuever.

According to Thatcher Police Chief Mark Stevens, the van was traveling northbound on Highway 191 when it made an abrupt left turn onto Highway 70. The officers pulled the van over just west of the 200 block on Highway 70 and discovered 16 undocumented aliens inside.

According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, the intent of Operation Stonegarden is to enhance cooperation and coordination among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States' borders. Funds from Operation Stonegarden pay for man hours and equipment to help keep America safe, according to the DHS's Web site.

Stevens said after the officers secured the UDAs, the called the United States Border Patrol which picked them up. The Chevy van was seized by the officers.



http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2009/ ... 894612.txt

Outstanding great work

Bravo!