Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents entered a two story house in South Central LA early yesterday morning and took 61 migrants, mostly from Central America – but some from as far away as Ecuador. Three of those taken are teenagers, three more are toddlers. Authorities say they had a general location search warrant for the home, which they say they obtained following a human smuggling investigation. Yet is seems Central American migration to the US is slowing down. Increased border controls, workplace and residential raids, as well as a slowing economy, may be some of the contributing factors to why US Border Patrol has seen apprehension of non-Mexican migrants drop by as much as 60 percent. South and Central American migrants crossing into Mexico are forced to deal with violent attacks not only by Mexican police and immigration authorities, but by organized crime as well. The crossing carries even more risks for women migrants. Ricardo Martinez has more.

Back to Newscast for May 15, 2008