53 illegal immigrants were held against their will
May 12, 2008 03:05 EDT

PHOENIX (AP) -- Five suspected smugglers from Mexico are jailed after authorities discovered more than 50 illegal immigrants in a Phoenix home Sunday.

Authorities say the immigrants, including some women and children, were being held against their will by smugglers who were demanding more money.

The single-family home where they were kept had been fortified to prevent escape. The suspected smugglers also took away the immigrants' shoes so they couldn't run off.

And investigators say it's unclear how long the people had been held -- they didn't have access to watches, clocks, telephones or televisions.

The immigrants have been turned over to Customs and Immigration agents.