DPS: 15 Illegal Immigrants Arrested In Mesa (KPHO-AZ)

DPS: 15 Illegal Immigrants Arrested In Mesa

POSTED: 5:53 pm MST March 16, 2009

PHOENIX -- A traffic stop for an unsafe lane change led authorities to a suspected drop house in a Mesa apartment complex Monday morning, authorities said.

According to a news release from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, a DPS officer stopped a Ford Expedition on Interstate 10 a little before 7 a.m.

Upon approach, the officer noticed the driver was trying to conceal his face with a hood, DPS said. Additionally, several people were lying down on the floor in front of the second and third rows of seats.

The officer decided to issue a written warning and release the driver; however, DPS and the Phoenix police were notified, and they followed the Expedition to Mesa, the release said.

Once the SUV arrived at the apartment complex, officers discovered 12 people inside one apartment -- all of them illegal immigrants from Mexico and Guatemala, DPS said. Law enforcement officials also found three more illegal immigrants in another apartment.

All 15 people were detained and will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, DPS said.