Several undocumented immigrants are facing deportation and removal proceedings after being pulled over by Border Patrol agents. The vehicle was said to have aroused suspicion after the driver apparently attempted to avoid a highway checkpoint near the California city of Niland. The van was packed with 13 immigrants, suspected to be illegal. All the passengers in the van will likely be facing deportation and removal proceedings soon.
The van transporting the immigrants appeared to be a legitimate UPS vehicle, but authorities say the company decal located on the back door was slightly skewed. Both the driver and another driver accused of coordinating with the fake UPS vehicle have been arrested. The passengers in the van later told authorities they were under agreement to pay between $5,000 and $8,000 to get into the United States. A Border Patrol agent reported seeing one of the drivers leave a house that is apparently suspected of being used to house illegal immigrants. The van was pulled over a short time later.
Where the immigrants are being housed is currently unknown, though it is likely they are still detained by border authorities in an immigration detention facility. The drivers, American citizens, are now facing separate criminal charges in this incident, while the passengers likely await deportation and removal proceedings.
The citizenship process can be difficult and full of red tape, and because of that, many people try to surpass it. Those in California who are seeking citizenship in the U.S. may find it helpful to seek legal advice.
Source: ABC News, “Illegal Immigrants Arrested in Phony UPS Van,” May 23, 2012