Ins-Led Raid Nabs 42 Suspected Illegal Aliens

The Immigration and Naturalization Service joined forces with law enforcement officers from Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties in an operation that resulted in the arrests of 42 suspected illegal aliens.

Authorities went to about 30 different area residences in a six-hour period Thursday morning, said Longview Police Capt. Hal Mahnke.

Most of those taken into custody were transported to the INS regional center in Seattle for processing, Mahnke said. It’s likely that many will be deported, he added.

INS search warrants were issued in conjunction with warrants from the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Narcotics Task Force.

Four individuals also were charged with felony possession of narcotics and possession with intent to deliver.

It was not clear what prompted the raid or where the immigrants were from.