WMPD officers arrest illegal alien driving unregistered vehicle (The News-Star)

WMPD officers arrest illegal alien driving unregistered vehicle
12:00 AM, Jul. 10, 2011

Officers from the West Monroe Police Department arrested an illegal immigrant suspected of operating a vehicle without lawful presence in the U.S., no license plates, no drivers license, expired inspection sticker and no proof of insurance on Friday.

According to arrest reports, officers observed a 2003 Chevy Impala with no license plate driving south on Thomas Road. When the officer conducted a traffic stop, the driver stated she did not have a driver's license.

The woman, identified as Maria Lainez Ortiz, 22, of 294 Tarbutton St., Ruston, said she was illegally in the U.S. and has never applied for citizenship. She said she purchased the vehicle in October 2010 and never had it registered.

Officers observed the car's inspection sticker was expired, but someone had attempted to scratch the year off the sticker.

Ortiz's personal information was sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who confirmed they had no record of Ortiz ever entering the U.S. legally.