Mexican gangs now infiltrating Kentucky; Shelbyville fears violence in the future

02:01 PM EST on Tuesday, November 25, 2008


(WHAS11) - Until recent years, Kentucky wasn’t a major destination for illegal immigrants.

Those who came here were mostly migrant workers or employees in the equestrian industry.

But a new wave of illegal immigrants has been arriving in recent years, and law enforcement agencies say many of these undocumented citizens are bringing with them drugs, gangs and violent crime.

Illegal immigrants arrive in Kentuckiana daily.

While most are here for a better life, police say others have direct ties to deadly gangs and even the Mexican mafia. Shelbyville looks like most small towns in Middle America.

A quaint downtown, a thriving farm community, and in general a good quality of life.

Hundreds of newcomers flock here each year, many from Mexico just like Juan Rodriguez.

Juan Rodriguez said, “I crossed the desert. I didn’t drink water for many days. I was lost. I was by myself.â€