Police find more than 100 immigrants in stash house

HOUSTON -- More than 100 people suspected of entering the country illegally were found living in deplorable conditions in a Houston stash house Wednesday, police said.

The men, women and children were being held against their will by smugglers, according to police.

One officer described the inside of the home as "awful."

"There is no hot water in the house. There is a toilet that partially works -- one bathroom for in excess of 100 people," Houston Police Department spokesman John Cannon said.

The victims included a 24-year-old pregnant woman and her two children, ages 5 and 7.

"The children were scared," said Noland Luke, a neighbor. "They brought them out, they crying and carrying on. Feel sorry for them."

The woman's mother called authorities after a coyote, who was paid to bring them across the border from Mexico, refused to release the immigrants until he got more money.

Police investigated her complaint and discovered the stash house.

Deadbolt locks on the inside doors kept the victims from being able to leave the one-story home.

The hostages -- 94 adult males, 14 adult females and the two children -- will be turned over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Five smugglers were arrested by Houston police.

Neighbors said they never suspected anything.

"I only see them going in and out. That's it," said Ellea Johnson. "I never had an idea it was like this."

Johnson was especially disturbed about the children.

"These kids aren't going to forget this, they're not," She said. "They need counseling for this. They're young, elementary school children. It's going to stick with them."