19 Detained in Possible
Smuggling Sting
Last Edited: Sunday, 15 Mar 2009, 8:29 PM CDT
Created On: Sunday, 15 Mar 2009, 8:29 PM CDT

MENA ELSHARKAWI
HOUSTON - At least 19 immigrants were detained from a northeast Harris County house possibly used in a smuggling sting, officials said.

Officials responded to the house on Hilsboros near Hollywood after they received a 911 call saying three men were holding another man hostage for an undisclosed amount of money, officials said.

When deputies entered the home, they found at least 13 immigrants inside the home, and another six fled the house on foot; all the immigrants, including those who attempted to flee, were later caught.

Officials said they aren't sure who long the immigrants had been inside the home, but they may be part of a human smuggling sting.

The immigrants are being detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and will undergo a welfare check.

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