3 accused of running smuggling ring

A man, his son and a woman accused of running a smuggling ring in which truckers were paid to transport hundreds of illegal immigrants over two years were ordered held without bail Tuesday.

Federal immigration agents arrested Ramon Felix, 46, and his 24-year-old son, Pablo Felix, at their home Monday on smuggling conspiracy charges. Herminia Guzman-Rubalcava, 50, was also arrested Monday.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard P. Mesa ordered them held without bail, and another hearing was set for Friday morning.

Ramon Felix is accused of running the smuggling ring that charged would-be immigrants from Mexico, Central America and South America about $2,500 each to be driven into the interior of the United States.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigators say the trio would hide groups of immigrants awaiting transport in hotels or local houses.

The elder Felix is accused of paying American truck drivers about $600 for each immigrant.

Investigator said the group's clients included men, women, children and some convicted criminals who previously had been deported.

They have been indicted on various charges, including conspiracy to smuggle immigrants and conspiracy to aid or assist previously deported and convicted aggravated felons.

Mesa said the Felixes will be appointed public defenders. Guzman-Rubalcava has indicated she will hire her own lawyer, though Mesa did not give the attorney's name in court Tuesday.