23 arrested in Texas human smuggling ring bust
HOUSTON -- Authorities announced the arrests of nearly two dozen people allegedly connected to a major human smuggling operation spanning several Texas counties, reports CBS affiliate KHOU.
Officials said Friday that the organization was responsible for a range of crimes related to human smuggling and trafficking in an area spanning from the U.S. border with Mexico to San Antonio and Houston.
The 23 arrests made were part of a two-year-long investigation by numerous state and local agencies, authorities said.
The suspects are facing more than 80 charges, including engaging in organized criminal activity, human smuggling, trafficking, sexual assault, theft and money laundering.
Authorities said the cases may have involved more than 200 victims.