Five Indian nationals, identified as undocumented immigrants, have been arrested and charged in connection with a large-scale human trafficking operation in Nebraska. The arrests were part of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation that rescued 27 victims, including 10 children.
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the operation on August 12 dismantled a “violent, criminal illegal alien-run massive human trafficking ring.” The ring allegedly operated out of motels and eyebrow salons across the Omaha metropolitan area and into central Nebraska.
The five Indian nationals charged are Kentakumar Chaudhari (also known as Ken Chaudhari), Rashmi Ajit Samani (also known as Falguni Samani), Amit Prahladbhai Chaudhari (also known as Amit), Amit Babubhai Chaudhari (also known as Matt), and Maheshkumar Chaudhari (also known as Mahesh).
They face a range of federal charges, including conspiracy to engage in labor trafficking, sex trafficking, and harboring of illegal aliens. ICE has placed immigration detainers on all five to ensure they are not released after their federal criminal charges are completed.
ICE officials described the victims’ conditions as “horrific.” The rescued individuals were reportedly crammed into “cockroach-infested rooms” with no basic sanitation or safety. Both children and adults were being sex trafficked, and the locations were also allegedly used for drug trafficking.
“Our brave ICE law enforcement rescued these children and women who were being sexually exploited and trafficked,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump and Secretary Noem will not allow children and women to be victims of these heinous human trafficking rings.”
In addition to the five Indian nationals, ICE took 14 other undocumented immigrants into custody during the operation. Authorities also seized over $565,000 in cash and illicit drugs and moved to prevent the sale of implicated motel properties.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
