Officials say 5 indicted in human smuggling ring

The Associated Press
Posted: 02/02/2012 04:01:15 PM PST
Updated: 02/02/2012 04:01:15 PM PST

LOS ANGELES—Authorities say five people have been indicted in Los Angeles in connection with a human smuggling ring that used non-Spanish-speaking African-American drivers to shuttle illegal immigrants from the border in an effort to elude detection.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement says 60-year-old Maria Lopez-Diaz of Compton and three others were arrested Thursday on charges related to the transportation of illegal immigrants in special compartments and the trunks of cars.

Officials say Lopez-Diaz recruited black drivers from south LA who did not speak Spanish hoping they would not rouse the suspicion of border authorities.

Officials say the ring transported dozens of illegal immigrants to Los Angeles each month in 2010.

Lopez-Diaz, two relatives and a suspected driver are scheduled to appear in federal court Thursday afternoon. Another suspected driver is at large.

Officials say 5 indicted in human smuggling ring - San Jose Mercury News