HOUSTON, TX — Nearly 30 people were rescued from a human smuggling operation in Houston Thursday evening.
Federal prosecutors said 36-year-old Mauro Dominguez-Maldonado, a Honduran national, was charged with harboring illegal aliens, according to reports. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
The Houston Police Department says officers were called out to 4800 Raven Ridge after receiving a report of a man in his briefs running down the street yelling that he had been kidnapped.
Southwest officers are at 4800 Raven Ridge. Officers received a report of a male in his briefs running down the street yelling that he had been kidnapped. The male advised that thirty more people were being held hostage in the house. Officers made entry and rescued approximately pic.twitter.com/kRWS89zuUy
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) December 4, 2020
The man told authorities that 30 more people were being held hostage in the house.
Houston PD says officers entered the home and rescued approximately 25 men and one woman.
Authorities say this was a human smuggling operation and are cooperating with DHS.
Fort Bend ISD police assisted by opening a nearby school gym to keep victims warm.
