Undocumented Immigrant Trafficking Network Dismantled in Houston

An undocumented immigrant trafficking network was dismantled in Houston on Thursday, Jan. 30, reported local media.

According to the Associated Press, via USA Today, two employment agencies in Houston — Hong Li and Tai Shanin — had allegedly operated as recruiters of cheap labor from undocumented immigrants for at least seven states.

The workers recruited by the companies, which competed against each other, were mainly from Mexico and Central America and were channeled as workers in Chinese restaurants in Texas, Louisiana, Maine and other states, said the special agent in charge of national security investigations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Brian M. Moskowitz.

According to authorities, the two employment agencies had been operating for at least 10 years, according to KLTV.

On Thursday authorities arrested 32 people related to the companies who may be accused of extortion, violation of immigration laws and violations to national security law.

Moskowitz told the media that the companies operated with the consent of their employees; however, he said the agencies abused them.

"There is no doubt [the workers] were complicit, they knew what was going on. But they were also exploited. They were paid less than minimum wage, forced to work 12 hours a day, six days a week, they weren't allowed to get any tips and they were forced to stay in low-quality housing," said Moskowitz.

Of the 32 people arrested on Thursday, nine face charges of conspiracy, while the rest face charges of conspiracy to transport and shelter illegal foreigners in the country.