SCU officers detain 9 illegals seen in cab of truck-tractor
Mexico natives, believed to be sharing one apartment, expected to be deported
By FAITH HUFFMAN | News-Telegram News Editor
Dec 4, 2007 - A truck-tractor cab full of illegal aliens were taken into custody by Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Special Crimes Unit at a local apartment complex after a Hopkins County constable saw something suspicious.

Precinct 2 Constable Larry Argenbright had been called to the area of Spanish Trails apartments on routine duties this morning when he observed suspicious activity involving a number of Hispanic individuals and a semi-truck cab. The constable contacted law enforcement dispatchers, who alerted the Special Crimes Unit.

SCU Lt. Ron Plaxco and Sgts. Tony Crouse and Harold McClure responded, arriving at Spanish Trails apartments where the men were said to have exited the cab of the truck and entered an apartment.

The SCU officers made contact with the suspects, noting there to be nine men at the location. As the investigation progressed, the officers determined that none of the nine men had identification cards or paperwork showing them to be in the country legally.

All nine were taken into custody and transported with assistance Sulphur Springs police to the county jail, where the Mexico natives are being held for failure to identify, Plaxco said today as the men were being processed into jail.

The illegal aliens are being held for agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who are expected to arrive early Wednesday morning at the latest. It is likely the nine will be deported to Mexico, SCU investigators said late this morning.

It is believed all nine men have been sleeping at the apartment for at least a short period of time.

No charges were filed against the truck drivers who were in the truck, but the investigation has not been completed.

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