Law enforcement officials in Chambers County, Texas, announced they have detained ten individuals at an East Texas home – suspected of being illegal immigrants from Asia and Guatemala – for allegedly possessing child pornography. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) further alleges the house, located 33 miles east of Downtown Houston, was being used to facilitate human trafficking.
The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) says the suspects were detained and taken into custody after a Thursday morning raid. The operation necessitated forced entry after occupants declined to allow officers access to the property. According to a Fox News report, Homeland Security officials are still working to determine the legal status of the arrested individuals.
Government officials say the operation was prompted by information gleaned from the Internet Crimes Against Children database, which suggested possible child pornography downloads associated with the location. Bryan Baker, a CCSO Captain, emphasized the local law enforcement’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for such illegal downloads.
Inside the house, law enforcement encountered ten people suspected to be illegally residing in the country, as well as multiple electronic devices. The officers also found supplies commonly associated with restaurants at the scene.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) assisted local officers at the scene. All suspects are said to have been transported to the Chambers County Jail, where they await processing by federal agents. Currently, criminal charges against the suspects have not been made public. The CCSO noted that the investigation into potential human trafficking or human smuggling, among other crimes, is ongoing.
