Police arrested 48 illegal immigrants over the course of a week in the Southeast as part of a larger operation.
In the last week of April, US Customs and Border Protection partnered with Homeland Security Investigations and local law enforcement to conduct “Operation Magnolia,” a highway interdiction operation that resulted in the arrest of migrants from Mexico, Nicaragua, Kazakhstan, Honduras, Colombia, and Guatemala. Three United States citizens were also arrested.
“If you attempt to smuggle narcotics, contraband, or illegal aliens through Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana, you will be caught, prosecuted, and put in jail,” Adam Calderson, New Orleans Sector acting chief patrol agent, said in a statement . “The U.S. Border Patrol is committed to enforcing our nation’s laws.”
The operation was overseen by the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida.
The arrests were made along Mississippi’s Interstate 10 corridor, with the nearest Mexico border crossing more than 700 miles distant.
Law authorities recovered $104,000, weapons, ammo, and other contraband.
Eight of those apprehended will be prosecuted for reentering the United States after being previously deported, and all will face deportation, according to Border Patrol.
