Boxcar aliens to U.S. New smuggling trend

[MORTARDUDE]

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Toront...01/404080.html

Boxcar aliens to U.S.

New smuggling trend

By TOM GODFREY, TORONTO SUN




U.S. border agents say international alien smuggling rings are using rail containers to try to sneak aliens from Canada into that country. Nine men face deportation to Canada after being nabbed inside two grain containers in Buffalo last Tuesday, Border Patrol assistant chief Ed Duda said yesterday.

Duda said the group is the second batch of aliens intercepted in U.S.-bound rail cars in two weeks.

"This is the most recent smuggling trend," he said. "This is a highly organized ring that is capable of moving a lot of people."

GAMMA RAY CHECKS

He said the aliens were discovered as the containers underwent gamma ray checks at the International Railway Bridge that separates Fort Erie and Buffalo.

The checks began two months ago as part of a U.S. initiative to fight terrorism.

"These people wouldn't have been found if not for the gamma rays," Duda said. "All trains are being checked."

Police said the immigrants, who included Costa Ricans and Mexicans, got into the cars at Fort Erie and were to get off in Buffalo.

"They were equipped with cellphones," he said. "We suspect they were to phone taxis after arriving here."

Duda said the nine have pleaded guilty to entering the U.S. illegally and will be deported.