Thread: U.S. Forest Service hired IA's arrested in Michigan

26 illegal immigrants arrested in UP

Men allegedly employed in tree planting operation for United States Forest Service

By SCOTT BRAND

TROUT LAKE - A driver operating along M-123 in Trout Lake without a seat belt led to the arrest of 26 illegal immigrants following a routine traffic stop by Chippewa County Sheriff deputies on Thursday.

Deputies caught up with the suspect vehicle after a short chase ending at some cabins in Trout Lake. During the investigation, it was noted that approximately two dozen individuals - most believed to be of Mexican descent - were in the immediate area.

Deputies called in the U.S. Border Patrol for assistance with this matter and, when federal agents arrived on the scene, many members of the group fled into the nearby woods - prompting a call for additional law enforcement agents. Michigan State Police from the Newberry, St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie posts responded as well as personnel from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Bay Mills Indian Community K-9 Unit and Mackinac County Sheriff deputies.

The dragnet led to the arrest of 26 individuals overall, with 18 arrests in the vicinity of Trout Lake and another eight suspects apprehended in the Munising area. All of the arrested individuals were transported to the Sault Ste. Marie Border Patrol Station for processing and have subsequently been booked into the Chippewa County Jail.

Border agents report the subjects were working for a local contractor, according to a press release on this incident.

Reports compiled by the Chippewa County Sheriff Department provided more specifics, indicating the men were part of a tree planting operation doing work for the United States Forest Service.

Its always nice to know that the federal govt is enforcing our laws - NOT!

Another day in the jungle of insanity

Are they going to apply forfeiture laws in this case?