Troopers detain nine immigrants after stop (Mansfield News Journal)

Troopers detain nine immigrants after stop
News Journal staff report • August 23, 2009

MANSFIELD -- The Mansfield post of the Ohio Highway Patrol got a bit of a surprise Saturday afternoon when nine illegal immigrants were hauled into custody after a routine traffic stop in Mifflin Township.

"Trooper Jason Mur- field stopped the vehicle on Crider Road for a marked lanes violation and inside were a group of illegal immigrants from Mexico," Patrol Sgt. Mike Roth said.

Roth said they confirmed the immigrant's status through the office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

They were searched and taken to the Richland County Jail, where they are being held pending a federal deportation hearing.

Roth said most of them spoke very little English.

No weapons or illegal contraband were found in the SUV.

No charges were filed by troopers and the names of the nine people who are being detained had not been released as of Saturday evening.