Law enforcement arrested 48 illegal immigrants during a weeklong operation across the Southeast, seizing weapons, cash, and contraband.
Dubbed Operation Magnolia, the highway interdiction effort was a collaboration between U.S. Customs and Border Protection Homeland Security Investigations, and local law enforcement. The arrests, made in the last week of April, involved migrants from Mexico, Nicaragua, Kazakhstan, Honduras, Colombia, and Guatemala. Authorities also detained three U.S. citizens during the operation.
“If you attempt to smuggle narcotics, contraband, or illegal aliens through Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana, you will be caught, prosecuted, and put in jail,” said Adam Calderson, acting chief patrol agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. “The U.S. Border Patrol is committed to enforcing our nation’s laws.”
The New Orleans Sector, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida, led the operation. Arrests were concentrated along Mississippi’s stretch of Interstate 10—over 700 miles from the nearest border crossing with Mexico.
During the operation, agents seized $104,000 in cash, firearms, ammunition, and other illegal items. Eight of those arrested face prosecution for reentering the U.S. after prior deportation. All 48 noncitizens will be processed for deportation, authorities said.
