Southwest
10 suspected illegal migrants busted for child pornography at Texas human smuggling 'stash house'
A group of 10 suspected illegal migrants from Asia and Guatemala have been arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography at a Texas house, police say, while Homeland Security tells Fox News Digital that the premises was being used as a “stash house for human smuggling activities.”
The 10 suspects were taken into custody Thursday morning following a search of a house at 5118 Dripping Springs in Chambers County, about 33 miles east of Downtown Houston, according to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
Law enforcement stated that they had to force entry into the premises after the occupants refused to let the officers in during the 9 a.m. search.
Ten suspected illegal migrants have been arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography at a Texas house that officials say was being used as a “stash house for human smuggling activities.” (Chambers County Sheriff’s Office)
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Once inside, police discovered 10 people who the CCSO said are believed to be in the U.S. illegally. A Homeland Security spokesperson tells Fox News Digital that the immigration status of the 10 has yet to be determined.
Police also seized several electronic devices from the premises; however, the contents of these devices remain unconfirmed, Fox 26 reports. Restaurant supplies were also found.
The search was prompted following a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children database, suggesting that child pornography may have been downloaded at this location.
“Those types of downloads are illegal and are heavily monitored,” CCSO Captain Bryan Baker told Fox 26. “We’re just not going to tolerate that in our county.”
The CCSO on Thursday posted photos of the suspects sitting down in handcuffs outside the residence with their faces obscured.
The Sheriff’s Office said that some of the individuals were of Asian descent, and some were from Guatemala.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) responded to the scene to assist with the investigation, and all 10 individuals were transported to the Chambers County Jail to be processed by the federal agency.
Law enforcement had to force entry into the premises after the occupants refused to let officers in. (Chambers County Sheriff’s Office)
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“On April 11, Homeland Security Investigations Houston assisted our state and local partners with a law enforcement action related to an ongoing child exploitation investigation,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“During the course of the enforcement action and based on the individuals encountered, the structure was additionally determined to be a stash house for human smuggling activities.”
“HSI Houston is continuing to work with our state and local partners in furtherance of this investigation.”
Homeland Security Investigations responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and all 10 individuals were transported to the Chambers County Jail to be processed by the federal agency. (istock)
It is unclear what charges the 10 suspects face. Fox News Digital contacted the CCSO but was unable to get a response to this query.
“This is an ongoing investigation that will require an extensive follow-up to investigative leads,” CCSO wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday.
“This is an ongoing investigation looking into possible human trafficking and/or human smuggling as well as other possible crimes.”
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Jurors deliberating the fate of the man accused of starting the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California’s history, failed to reach a verdict Thursday afternoon, telling the judge they were deadlocked.
A spokesperson from the United States Attorney’s Office told KTLA that jurors will continue to deliberate until they reach a verdict or give up.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, a former Uber driver and one-time Pacific Palisades resident, is accused of starting the Lachman Fire on New Year’s Eve. The fire continued to smolder underground for about a week, even after Los Angeles firefighters believed it had been extinguished.
Flames reignited on Jan. 7, erupting into the deadly Palisades Fire that killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes in the upscale community, authorities said.
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A courtroom sketch of Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, during his initial court appearance on Oct. 23, 2025. (Bill Robles) -
The U.S. Dept. of Justice booking photo of Jonathan Rinderknecht over the Palisades Fire devastation in Malibu, California in January 2025 (AP).
Prosecutors argued that Rinderknecht deliberately set the fire, claiming he had grown increasingly resentful of wealthy residents and viewed Pacific Palisades as a symbol of that frustration.
“Their case, though circumstantial, is strong,” KTLA legal analyst Alison Triessl said. “The defense is relying on, can they (prosecutors) show beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Rinderknecht actually started this fire and it wasn’t the result of fireworks or some intervening cause.”
The defense argued there is no direct physical evidence tying Rinderknecht to the fire and said the prosecution’s case relies entirely on circumstantial evidence. Rinderknecht did not testify during the trial.
Defense attorney Steve Haney spoke outside the courthouse Wednesday about why he believes it will be difficult for prosecutors to prove how the fire started.
“The lack of scene preservation. The fact that they got there after a lot of the evidence was missing. Not a lot of direct evidence. This is a circumstantial case, which is always difficult as a prosecutor to prove,” Haney said.
Rinderknecht, who was arrested and indicted last October, faces up to 45 years in prison if found guilty of three arson counts, including destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire.
Tony Kurzweil contributed to this report
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