Authorities in Arizona have broken up a very large operation that smuggled illegal immigrant into the United States from Mexico. 40 people have been arrested so far, while more are still being sought. This was a family run business that had passed from father to sons.
The operation, which began in 2001, broke up a ring that smuggled undocumented immigrants to Bowie, Arizona, southeast of Phoenix, from Agua Prieta in Mexico, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said.
Alonzo Pena, ICE special agent in charge of Arizona, said a grand jury handed down an indictment this month charging 55 people in connection with the operation. Eleven suspects remained at large.
"This was an extremely significant smuggling operation and one of the largest of its kind in the state," Pena told Reuters.
"It was run by a family that passed on their activity from one generation to another, from a father to his two sons and their wives," he added.
Pena said those charged included the alleged ringleader and his wife, guides who ferried people across the desert border to Arizona, couriers who picked up smuggling fees sent by wire transfers and drivers.
Arizona is one of the areas that will have a greatly enhanced border fence. Still think that was a bad idea? This is at least a start in closing the border. There is still a very, very long way to go.
