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17 Illegal Immigrants Discovered In Wheeling

A crash in downtown Wheeling ended with police detaining 17 illegal immigrants.

The two-vehicle crash happened at 10th and Main streets around 2 a.m. Two people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Police said the van -- meant to carry eight or nine people -- was transporting 12 Mexican and five Mexican women.

They were detained at the Northern Regional Jail then transferred into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Pittsburgh.

Officials said if there aren't any warrants out for their arrest, the immigrants will most likely be released. Police said the illegal immigrants were most likely looking for work.

Don Atkinson, who towed the van for Ace Garage, said, "When they opened the door, (police) realized there was a bundle of people in it and, when they opened it up, they just kept coming out -- kind of like a clown car. People just kept coming."

Stay with NEWS9 for continuing coverage.

-Renee Cardelli & John Paul, NEWS9

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