Suspected human smuggler arraigned (The Monitor)

Suspected human smuggler arraigned
March 12, 2008 - 11:28PM

MISSION AUTO THEFT
Authorities arraigned a suspected human smuggler Wednesday on charges of felony auto theft and evading arrest.
Mission police arrested Jaime Martinez, 18, after a police chase Tuesday that led to a hotel. Authorities found 19 illegal immigrants at the hotel, one of which was treated for rape at a hospital in Harlingen.
Martinez allegedly stole a Ford F-250 on Monday from a Winter Texan at a trailer park just south of Mission. A judge ordered Martinez jailed in lieu of a total bond of $205,000. He remained in the Hidalgo County Jail late Wednesday.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has opened an investigation into the human smuggling allegations.
U.S. Border Patrol has allowed the 18-year-old rape victim to remain in the United States while she recovers from her injuries, said Lt. Martin Garza, a spokesman for Mission police.

Monitor staff writer Zack Quaintance compiled this report.