INS Arrests 47 at ‘Drop House’
- Share via
Fourty-seven people believed to be illegal aliens were arrested in Pacoima late Thursday by police investigating a possible extortion scheme directed against Mexican nationals.
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service agents went to 9807 Telfair Ave. about 7 p.m. after Los Angeles police came across a “drop house,” a place used by smugglers to hold newly arrived illegal aliens, INS agent Ray Heyer said.
Police raided the house to investigate a report that a “coyote,” a smuggler who transports illegal aliens for a fee, was “holding them for ransom, for more money,” Los Angeles police Sgt. Robert Ontiveros said.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
