Police find 37 illegal immigrants hiding behind produce

abc15 ^ | 12/30/07 | Tim Vetscher

[mdittmar]

Tolleson Police busted a human smuggling ring early Sunday after they found dozens of illegal immigrants hiding behind produce in an 18-wheeler.

"I haven't ever seen so many concealed in one place," said Sgt. Lisa Mendoza of the Tolleson Police Department.  "We run into smaller situations, people in vans but never on this scale here."

Tolleson police got the call shortly after midnight from a passer-by who felt suspicious about the semi.

Officers arrived and after opening the back, found a truck full of green bell peppers.

"The peppers were in the middle so the officer was able to climb up and see what looked like heads in the back," said Sgt. Mendoza.

Crammed into a space not much bigger than most closets sat 23 illegal immigrants including four children, one only 3-years-old.

"I'm sure it was scary, especially for the children," added Sgt. Mendoza.  "I can't imagine a three year old being in a small cold area like this."

Police found several more in the cab and a couple others hiding nearby for a total of 37 illegal immigrants.

Officers say survived their ordeal in surprisingly good condition.

At least four immigrants managed to get away, according to Tolleson Police.

The immigrants told police they were being taken to an undisclosed drop house.

All of them were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Police never did find the smugglers.

[John Jorsett]

Tolleson Police busted a human smuggling ring early Sunday after they found dozens of illegal immigrants hiding behind produce in an 18-wheeler.

In other news, freakishly large green bell peppers discovered.