5 charged in Houston human smuggling operation after more than 100 immigrants rescued
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Five men have been charged with using guns and threats in connection with a suspected human trafficking operation at a house in Houston.
A tip led officers March 19 to the single-story home where 115 men, women and children were jammed inside. Some of the people discovered in the 1,500-square-foot home were shoeless and in their underwear. All are believed to be in the U.S. illegally.
A criminal complaint filed Monday alleges the suspects conspired to detain and threaten the immigrants to extort money.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Documents show the five suspects are scheduled to appear in federal court Tuesday to face charges of hostage-taking and violence with a firearm.