A state police task force raided a Phoenix home Monday and found 11 illegal immigrants and six suspected human smugglers.The task force, which targets illegal immigration, first learned of the home on Sunday when a caller told detectives that a couple was being held against their will.
The following day, detectives watched the home, which was located in the 9000 block of N. 36th Drive. Police made a traffic stop on a vehicle that left the house and discovered the man who was running the drop house, police said.
The same night, Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Special Operations Unit searched the home and found the missing couple and nine other illegal immigrants and several other possible smugglers. Police also found a handgun.
During interviews, the illegal immigrants told police that they were held against their will and some were beaten, kicked and struck with pistols because their family members couldn’t come up with ransom money.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement responded to the scene and took custody of the 11 illegal immigrants.
