MARTINS FERRY, OH -- Police in Martins Ferry say they have identified eight illegal immigrants living in a home within city limits.

According to Police Chief Barry Carpenter, officers have received numerous complaints about the residents living at 916 South Zane Highway. While investigating those claims, he says they've determined all but one of the home's occupants is illegal.

Carpenter says the immigrants are here on expired student visas, and he says they never had work visas, even though they are working in the area.

Carpenter says he has contacted the Immigration and Naturalization Service, but they will not remove the alleged illegals. He says Ohio only has 80 beds to house immigrants, and they are already 13 over. However, he says he is disturbed by the perceived lack of effort from the state.

"This government sinks so much money in homeland security and border patrol, and they're not really concerned that these people are illegal and here taking jobs from American citizens," he said.

He says the INS will only remove illegal aliens who commit a felony.

Jill Del Greco, NEWS 9