azcentral.com
Two Peoria schools were placed in lockdown Thursday as police searched for a home suspected of being a haven for dozens of illegal immigrants.
Officers later surrounded a house, and at least 45 people stepped outside and surrendered to federal immigration officials.
An estimated 20 others remained inside, refusing to surrender, as the operation continued into the evening.
At least six of the 45 are suspected "coyotes," or immigrant smugglers, said Russell Ahr, a spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
During the initial stages of the probe, Santa Fe Elementary, 9800 N. 77th Ave., was placed in brief lockdown that ended about 10:30 a.m.
Later, Ira A. Murphy Elementary, 7231 W. North Lane, was placed in lockdown as officers targeted a home, later identified as the "safe house," across the street from the school playground.
Posted by Suzanne at March 7, 2003