U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dismantled a human trafficking ring in Nebraska, according to an announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The operation targeted illegal activity in motels and eyebrow salons throughout the Omaha metropolitan area.
On August 12, ICE agents rescued 27 individuals from exploitation, including 10 children under the age of 12. The victims were found living in poor conditions, with reports describing rooms infested with cockroaches and lacking basic sanitation or safety measures. Both adults and children were subjected to sex trafficking, and some locations also served as sites 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. Our message to human traffickers is clear: we will dismantle your networks, and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. That’s a promise.”
Federal charges have been filed against five individuals accused of conspiracy related to labor trafficking, sex trafficking, and harboring illegal aliens at multiple motel locations across Omaha and central Nebraska. ICE identified those arrested as 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). All five are Indian nationals; immigration detainers have been placed on them so they remain in custody after their federal criminal proceedings conclude.
In addition to these arrests, ICE detained 14 other individuals living alongside the victims. Among those detained are Guillermo Infante Arevalo from Mexico, who has a history of child endangerment, drug- and firearm-related offenses, and illegal reentry; Eudis Enrique Cuellar-Martinez from Venezuela with pending felony drug possession charges; and Pablo Martinez Canas from El Salvador with multiple prior removals from the United States along with a criminal trespass charge. All detainees will remain in custody pending further judicial proceedings.
During the operation, authorities seized over $565,000 in cash along with illicit drugs. Notices have also been filed to prevent implicated motel properties from being sold.
DHS encourages people interested in public safety or national service careers to consider joining ICE through its recruitment website: join.ice.gov.
