UPDATE (December 16, 2010, 4 p.m.)—There is a report now that 30 people were taken from the Mountain Communities on Friday, Dec. 3 in an early Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sweep through the mountain region. We are seeking official confirmation, and will report more as information is available. Readers with concrete, fact-bsed information are invited to assist in our efforts to report factually on this issue [661-245-3794].

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December 10, 2010:

The Mountain Enterprise is following leads on a report that last week three to five local residents were taken into custody for immigration status infractions. They are said to be in Lerdo Detention Facility. Friends are concerned they will be moved to Arizona.

The raids began at 5 a.m. Friday, Dec. 3 at residences and a place of business in Lebec. Early unconfirmed reports are that the persons taken are from Syria and Mexico. One individual is said to have had a visa which had lapsed. He had managed a local store for seven years, friends report. We will report official details as they are available. See breaking news at www.MountainEnterprise.com.

This is part of the December 10, 2010 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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