53 Immigrants Held For Ransom in Phoenix, 300 in Raid in Iowa

We talk a lot about illegal immigration around here, but this story really puts a human face on the situation and shows the extent of the problem. It doesn't look good for anyone involved. Arizona authorities recently found 53 illegal immigrants being held prisoners in a Phoenix home by suspected smugglers holding them hostage for more money.

Among the group of rescued immigrants were two 13-year-old girls and a mentally disabled man. There were three women, and the rest were men, according to officials. The group had all had their shoes confiscated and were packed in with very little food or water. It's thought that smugglers wanted an average of $2,500 for the release of each person. To see the huge raid in Iowa, read more.

In Iowa another raid led to the arrest of at least 300 people in a raid on the world's largest kosher meatpacking plant. A US Attorney says the raid on the Agriprocessors Inc. plant in Postville is the largest operation of its kind in Iowa history and required months of planning.

What's the answer to human trafficking? If one commits an illegal act, is being mired further in crime like those being held in Phoenix, part of the bargain? Do we need more full-scale raids like in Iowa? What becomes of the meatpacking plant now that it's down 300 workers?