FROM STAFF REPORTS
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BENZONIA -- Federal immigration officials have three men in custody on suspicion they are in the country illegally.
The men, ages 24, 28 and 46, were picked up Wednesday at a house near Benzonia after officials received a credible tip, said Greg Palmore, a spokesman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Their illegal status since has been confirmed, Palmore said, adding that the men are of Mexican descent.
Palmore said he did not know if the men were related. He did not disclose their names, pending possible charges.
The Benzie County Sheriff's Department assisted when the men were taken into custody, Undersheriff Rory Heckman said, adding that he was told the residence was on Bailey Street in Benzonia.
Palmore did not reveal any additional information, citing an ongoing investigation.
Federal officials were in Benzie County a month ago on another immigration case.
In August, immigration and county sheriff's officials charged Marcela Zavala and husband Eliodoro Aguilar-Solano, of Mexico, with allegedly smuggling a young woman into the country and keeping her in their Honor apartment.
