26 illegal immigrants held in Chippewa County

Tue, May 13, 2008    to del.icio.us

SAULT STE. MARIE (AP) — Authorities say 26 illegal immigrants are being held in Chippewa County after a series of arrests over the weekend.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in Sault Ste. Marie said Monday it assisted the county sheriff's department after two vehicles were stopped near Trout Lake.

When border patrol agents arrived, everyone in the vehicles fled into nearby woods. Agents eventually caught 11 people. They found four others inside a cabin and three others in the area. The remaining eight suspects were caught at a traffic stop near Munising.

Agents say all 26 people were working for a local contractor. They're being held in the county jail awaiting immigration hearings.