SAN ANTONIO — Bexar County authorities busted a human smuggling operation on the southwest side Thursday evening after someone called in a tip to law enforcement, finding eight victims inside, including a 2-year-old boy.
Three people were arrested at the scene on South Zarzamora and West Southcross, which authorities were led to after a tip made to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). In a Friday update, Sheriff Javier Salazar said a 59-year-old man wanted in Mexico for alleged murder and kidnapping, Francisco Valdez Carmona, was among those found at the home.
"Clearly a dangerous suspect we were able to get off the streets and now in federal custody," Salazar said.
The human smuggling victims each paid anywhere from $2,000 to $8,500 to be brought into the U.S., according to Salazar. They were prepared to be taken to either Houston or Atlanta.
The baby boy was returned to his mother, whom authorities determined lived in the U.S.
Ramiro Herrera Martinez, 23, and Raul Rodriguez, 19, each face third-degree felony charges of engaging in organized criminal activity and smuggling. Cesar Monsivais Vanegas faces an additional charge of operating a stash house.
Salazar mentioned the home was in bad condition, was covered in trash and discarded food.
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