ARIZONA NEWS

3 arrested after 86 undocumented immigrants found in Phoenix

Jul 7, 2022, 4:15 AM

(File Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)...

(File Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

(File Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

PHOENIX — Three people were arrested last week for allegedly conspiring to smuggle nearly 90 undocumented immigrants into Phoenix for profit, authorities said.

The men, Salvador Lopez-Vargas, 36, Jesus Villela-Duran, 28, and Eleazar Soto-Diaz, 34, all of Mexico, were booked with conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens after 79 people were found in two residences — a home and an apartment — and seven others were in a nearby vehicle, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona said in a press release.

The men were identified at the caretakers of the properties, authorities said.

All of the people found were citizens from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.

The charges were brought on by the Joint Task Force Alpha which was created in 2021 to enhance U.S. enforcements efforts against human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, the release said.

The JTFA is made up from various government organizations, including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement agents and analysts from the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(KTAR News Photo/Jason Veazey)...

KTAR.com

Fire closes eastbound Loop 101 ramp to southbound State Route 51 in Phoenix

A fire closed the eastbound Loop 101 ramp to southbound State Route 51 in Phoenix on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

13 hours ago

A sign over the stage of the 2023 Scripps Natioanal Spelling Bee in suburban Washington, D.C....

Kevin Stone

Last Arizona contestant falls in 6th round of Scripps National Spelling Bee

Arizona’s last remaining contestant in the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee was eliminated in the sixth round Wednesday.

13 hours ago

File photo headshots of Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and her new chief of staff, Chad Campbell...

KTAR.com

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs names former House Democratic leader as chief of staff

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced Wednesday the former House Democratic Leader will step into the role as her new chief of staff.

13 hours ago

(YouTube Screenshot/Pastor for AZ)...

KTAR.com

Laura Pastor the latest Arizona Democrat to jump into race for Ruben Gallego’s seat in Congress

Phoenix City Councilwoman Laura Pastor on Wednesday joined a crowded Democratic field to replace Ruben Gallego's seat in Congress.

13 hours ago

Follow @suelenrivera...

SuElen Rivera

Arizona Snowbowl concludes longest winter season in ski resort’s history

Arizona Snowbowl concluded its longest winter season in the Flagstaff ski resort's history on Monday, officials said.

13 hours ago

Booking photo of Jose Chagnon, who was arrested Tuesday, May 30, 2023, on suspecion of killing his ...

KTAR.com

Avondale man suspected of killing wife arrested after barricade situation

The suspect in a fatal shooting was arrested Tuesday after an hourlong barricade situation in Avondale, authorities said.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

How to identify the symptoms of 3 common anxiety disorders

Living with an anxiety disorder can be debilitating and cause significant stress for those who suffer from the condition.

(Photo: OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center)...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

Here’s what you need to know about OCD and where to find help

It's fair to say that most people know what obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders generally are, but there's a lot more information than meets the eye about a mental health diagnosis that affects about one in every 100 adults in the United States.

(Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona Photo)...

Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona

5 common causes for chronic neck pain

Neck pain can debilitate one’s daily routine, yet 80% of people experience it in their lives and 20%-50% deal with it annually.

3 arrested after 86 undocumented immigrants found in Phoenix