By Dale Lezon | February 21, 2013 | Updated: February 21, 2013 12:44pm
chron.com


HPD collaborates with ICE to transport 30 undocumented immigrants to an ICE detention center on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, in Houston. ICE received a tip that 30 people were held in a safe house along the 8500 block of Glenaire St. in southeast Houston.
Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle / © 2013 Houston Chronicle

Authorities found 30 suspected illegal immigrants packed inside a house Thursday morning in southeast Houston.

The discovery was made about 3:30 a.m. at a home in the 8500 block of Glenaire near Glenloch, officials said.

The people, including a pregnant woman and a 14-year-old boy, were taken into custody by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Police towed away a van parked in the driveway.

It appears the people had been smuggled into the country from Mexico. A person called police to say a relative was being held at the house. The caller said the people holding the relative demanded money before the person could be released.

Residents in the quiet neighborhood of single-family homes said they were suspicious about the house. They said no lights were ever on at the home and lots of cars were often parked outside. Yet, they added, few people were ever seen at the house.

Federal officials have said Houston is a human-smuggling hub. Illegal immigrants are brought to the city before they are transported to other parts of the state and country. Often, officials said, the people are placed in houses, where they wait to be taken elsewhere.

Illegal immigrants busted at SE Houston house - Houston Chronicle