A group of 10 suspected illegal immigrants from Asia and Guatemala were arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography at a Texas home, police said, while the Department of Homeland Security told FOX News Digital that the property was “inhabited by human beings.” It was used as a hiding place for smuggling activities. ”
Ten suspects were taken into custody after a raid Thursday morning at 5118 Dripping Springs in Chambers County, about 53 miles east of downtown Houston, according to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). .
Law enforcement said they had to force entry to the property after the occupants refused officers access during the 9 a.m. search.
Ten illegal immigrants have been arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography at a Texas home that authorities say was being used as a “stash house for smuggling operations.” (Chambers County Sheriff’s Office)
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Once inside, police found 10 people who CCSO believed were in the United States illegally. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the immigration status of the 10 people has not yet been determined.
Police also seized several electronic devices from the premises. However, the contents of these devices remain unidentified. FOX26 reported. Restaurant equipment was also found.
This search was conducted following information from the Internet Child Crime Database suggesting that child pornography may have been downloaded at this location.
CCSO Capt. Brian Baker told FOX 26, “These types of downloads are illegal and are heavily monitored. We will not tolerate them in our county.”
CCSO posted a photo Thursday of the suspects sitting outside the residence handcuffed and with their faces hidden.
Some of the suspects were of Asian descent and some were from Guatemala, the sheriff’s office said.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was rushed to the scene to assist with the investigation, and all 10 individuals were transported to the Chambers County Jail for processing by federal agencies.
Law enforcement was forced to enter the premises after the occupier refused to allow officers access. (Chambers County Sheriff’s Office)
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“On April 11, Homeland Security Investigations, Houston assisted state and local partners with law enforcement operations related to an ongoing incident. child exploitation We are investigating,” a spokesperson told FOX News Digital.
“During the enforcement action, the building was further determined to be a hiding place for human smuggling operations based on the individuals encountered.”
“HSI Houston continues to work with state and local partners to advance this investigation.”
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The Department of Homeland Security was rushed to the scene to assist in the investigation, and all 10 people were transported to the Chambers County Jail for processing by federal agencies. (eye stock)
It is unclear what crimes the 10 suspects are facing. Fox News Digital reached out to CCSO, which did not respond to this inquiry.
“This is an ongoing investigation and we will be following up on investigative leads extensively,” CCSO said in a Facebook post Thursday.
“This is an ongoing investigation investigating possible human trafficking and/or human smuggling, as well as other potential crimes.”
