A dozen illegal aliens were taken into custody after they were found packed into a pickup truck on a Chattanooga food store parking lot.
Chattanooga Police Department Property Crimes Investigator Mike Early received a confidential tip that approximately 12 illegal aliens (Hispanics) were being transported in a white Chevrolet pickup truck to Chattanooga to meet another Hispanic male to exchange the 12 in the truck for money.
The truck was located on the BI-LO parking lot on E. 23rd St with 12 suspected illegal aliens literally packed into the cab and bed area.
According to the investigator, the truck had a camper top and most were packed in the bed of the truck.
Investigator Early conducted an initial investigation and called for agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The driver of the pickup truck along with the 12 illegal aliens were taken into custody by ICE agents.
The investigation of bringing illegal aliens as well as the unlawful transportation and harboring of aliens will continue with Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents, officials said.