Drop house facts

Drop house factsA Drop HouseDrop houses are often an intermediary point in the smugglingof immigrants who are not legally permitted to enter theUnited States. The drop houses are usually rented propertieswhere coyotes, or human smugglers, stash immigrantswhile awaiting payments. These properties can range fromactual houses or apartments and are not limited to any onegeographic area of the state.Inside a Drop HouseOften, the immigrants are being held against their will andhave been misled by the coyotes. Treatment of immigrantsis generally very poor which may include food, water andmedicine being withheld to the point of death. In addition, anychildren and infants are generally lacking the basics such asbaby formula or appropriate food.It’s Your CommunityThe violent nature of the criminal operations that utilize drophouses, and their total disregard for human life, make thema threat not only to the immigrants they exploit, but also tothe communities in which they operate. As a result, if humansmugglers are operating in your neighborhood, you and yourfamily could be at risk.Real Estate ProfessionalsWatch for unusual requests such as month-to-month leases,lack of interest in the amenities or no request for walkthrough of a property prior to renting. Be alert of propertiesbeing leased by one person, but rent paid by others in cash orbehaviors such as not turning on utilities. It’s important thatas a professional, you are not providing a service to humansmugglers – be alert.Common Characteristicsof a Drop House• Security bars on windows orwindows fortified in some manner• Shed or other dwellings in rearof house with excessive activity• Blankets or sheets, over or underthe blinds• Excessive trash in the back orfront yards• Large quantities of discardedempty ramen noodles, egg orother bulk food packaging• No activity until late at night withnumerous people coming andgoing from the house• Vehicles that are stripped downthat enter and exit from a backyard or through RV gates• Suspicious persons that appear tostand guard or be on breaks outsideVisit our Web siteto learn more.azdps.gov/iimpactWhat Can Be DoneIt’s important for the public and those that work in realestate or related fields to be on the lookout for unusualactivities that may signify the existence of a drop house. Ifyou suspect a house is being used for human smuggling orother criminal purposes, please contact your local policedepartment immediately. Human smuggling is undoubtedly asignificant problem with potentially grave consequences, butlaw enforcement, with help from informed, alert communitymembers, are already making a major difference.

Inside a Drop HouseOur mission isto deter, disruptand dismantleviolent criminalorganizationsprofiting fromhuman smuggling.Windows are often fortifiedwith wood or bars to preventcaptives from escaping.Shoes are confiscated fromcaptives to make escape moredifficult.Smugglers use deadly firearmsthat make them a threat to thecaptives & law enforcement.The physical violent nature ofhuman smugglers often leadsto bodies in pools of blood.Visit our Web siteto learn more.azdps.gov/iimpactSmugglers provide only themost basic foods which oftenconsists of ramen type soups.Walls often contain bulletholes which also act tointimidate illegal immigrants.membermembermembercontributorphoenix.gov/policeazdps.govice.govazre.gov