Desertdog
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Raid nets 62 suspected human smugglers, 528 illegal immigrants, 11 weapons
http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=4890394
A two-month investigation has resulted in the arrests of 62 suspected human smugglers, 528 illegal immigrants and millions of dollars in cash and real estate, authorities said Wednesday.
Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris said the multi-agency task force seized 11 weapons, 62 vehicles, six real estate locations valued at $1.7 million, $4.8 million in cash, five kilograms of cocaine and about three pounds of marijuana.
The operation focused on multiple "coyote groups" of varying sizes, including some "mom and pop" organizations that dabble in both illegal drugs and immigrant smuggling, said Glen Gardner, commander of the drug enforcement bureau for Phoenix police, who supervised a portion of the financial investigation.
In August, a state law went into effect making human and drug smuggling a felony in Arizona, the busiest illegal entry point along the U.S.-Mexico border. Smuggling already was a federal felony.
Republican legislators have proposed a tough anti-immigrant package for Arizona.
The proposed elements include making illegal immigrants' presence in Arizona a crime under the state's trespassing law, money for radar to spot illegal border-crossers, new dollars for law enforcement, sanctions against employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants and funding to deploy additional National Guard troops along the border.
http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=4890394
A two-month investigation has resulted in the arrests of 62 suspected human smugglers, 528 illegal immigrants and millions of dollars in cash and real estate, authorities said Wednesday.
Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris said the multi-agency task force seized 11 weapons, 62 vehicles, six real estate locations valued at $1.7 million, $4.8 million in cash, five kilograms of cocaine and about three pounds of marijuana.
The operation focused on multiple "coyote groups" of varying sizes, including some "mom and pop" organizations that dabble in both illegal drugs and immigrant smuggling, said Glen Gardner, commander of the drug enforcement bureau for Phoenix police, who supervised a portion of the financial investigation.
In August, a state law went into effect making human and drug smuggling a felony in Arizona, the busiest illegal entry point along the U.S.-Mexico border. Smuggling already was a federal felony.
Republican legislators have proposed a tough anti-immigrant package for Arizona.
The proposed elements include making illegal immigrants' presence in Arizona a crime under the state's trespassing law, money for radar to spot illegal border-crossers, new dollars for law enforcement, sanctions against employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants and funding to deploy additional National Guard troops along the border.