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Updated: 8:08 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007 | Posted: 7:40 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007
Three of the four immigration raids we first told you about this weekend involved semi-trucks, and now a new task force is investigating truck stops.
Authorities said there were three illegal immigrants inside a semi truck. Border Enforcement Security Task Force, known as BEST, found the men.
Authorities have also told KFOX that on Sunday, when we reported about an illegal immigrant bust, BEST agents found six illegal immigrants inside of a semi-truck on Transmountain and I-10. Included were two children, an 11-year-old boy and a six-year old girl.
Two other raids were made this weekend. Officials said three illegals were found in a semi truck on I-10 and Exit 2. Three more illegal immigrants were in the back of an SUV traveling on North Loop and Zaragosa, officials said.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents said all of these raids are connected to two smuggling organizations.
"Most of the ties are in El Paso, there are people that transport them across the border and they're in Juarez, but most of the ties, the infrastructure organization, is in El Paso," said Daniel Page, ICE special agent.
Including how they transport these illegal immigrants, ICE said these smuggling organizations specifically recruit truck drivers, who drive large semi trucks .
The illegal immigrants that were found inside of semi trucks were found inside the sleeper cabin. Truckers tell KFOX this is actually the safer part of the truck, but officials said it's dangerous.
"They are being smuggled in the sleeper cabs of the tractor trailers, which you know aren't made for four or five people, so it is a dangerous place for these people to be in," Page said.
Many truck drivers are aware of the smuggling, but tell us they are more concerned about getting caught with illegal cargo.
"To me risking lives, it's not worth it, not for me," said a truck driver that didn't want to be identified.
BEST agents are a part of a Department of Homeland Security initiative. They work to stop human trafficking cases as well as weapon and drug smuggling.
All three semi trucks have been seized and their drivers have been arrested along with the driver of the SUV.
All face alien smuggling transportation charges and if found guilty could face a maximum of five years in federal prison.
As for the illegal immigrants, ICE agents say most of them have been deported, but a few of them are still here and will serve as material witnesses.
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