PHOENIX (AP) — An Arizona officer who stopped a refrigerated trailer found nearly 100 undocumented immigrants crammed inside in near-freezing temperatures.
A tip from federal agents led the Department of Public Safety officer to make the stop to check for faulty equipment Wednesday night on Interstate 19 north of Nogales near the Mexico border.
The officer discovered 97 people, including children as young as 9. The trailer was also carrying fruit and chilled to 34 degrees. Temperatures outside were in the mid 80's.
The U.S. Border Patrol and Customs took custody of the undocumented immigrants from Mexico and Guatemala. A department spokesman says they believe the people were only in the trailer a short time. No one was injured.
The driver was taken into custody.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
PHOENIX (AP) — An Arizona officer who stopped a refrigerated trailer found nearly 100 undocumented immigrants crammed inside in near-freezing temperatures.
A tip from federal agents led the Department of Public Safety officer to make the stop to check for faulty equipment Wednesday night on Interstate 19 north of Nogales near the Mexico border.
The officer discovered 97 people, including children as young as 9. The trailer was carrying fruit and chilled to 34-degrees. Temperatures outside were in the mid 80's, according to the National Weather Service in Tucson.
The U.S. Border Patrol and Customs took custody of the undocumented immigrants, who the Department of Public Safety said were from Mexico and Guatemala.
The driver was taken into custody.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH