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CNN Live Today

INS Arrests 30 People at D.C. Airports

Aired April 23, 2002 - 14:16   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The other breaking story that we've been following. We're going to go to our justice correspondent, Kelli Arena, talking about 30 arrests that were made on behalf of the INS at the International and Dulles Airports today. All a part of upgrading security in the airports. Kelli, what more can you tell us?

KELLI ARENA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Kyra. Well, first of all, let's up that number. More than 80 airport workers have now been arrested so far at those two airports. They were picked up on a variety of charges, including illegal immigration and lying about their criminal background.

The employees worked in food service, construction and custodial jobs, and they all had restricted access security badges at the airports that they worked at. Now, as of 1:30, I am told, there were still 14 people that investigators were searching for. The others were picked up on their way to work.

It was a sweep type operation that is the latest in a series of airport arrest. Now, before today's arrest, 252 people had been taken into custody at 11 national airports -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Kelli, and we also want to make the point, too, these are not individuals that have been directly involved with terrorism, correct? These are just other violations and it's part of upgrading security.

ARENA: Absolutely. You said it perfectly.

PHILLIPS: All right, Kelli Arena, justice correspondent. Thank you so much. We'll continue to follow up with you as more arrests are made.

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