ICE Arrests Indian Couple in Texas Smuggling Case

Authorities say the Indian nationals ran a large human smuggling operation in Texas.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of an Indian national and his spouse at its Houston office. The agency stated that 'an alien from India ran a large human smuggling operation in Texas'.

Why it matters

Human smuggling operations can pose significant risks to the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable migrants. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt these criminal networks and hold perpetrators accountable.

The details

ICE agents arrested the Indian couple at the agency's Houston office, alleging that the husband ran a large human smuggling operation in Texas. The specific details of the smuggling operation and the charges against the couple were not provided in the initial announcement.

  • The arrests were made on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

Indian national

The husband who allegedly ran a large human smuggling operation in Texas.

Spouse

The wife of the Indian national who was also arrested in connection with the smuggling operation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt human smuggling operations and hold perpetrators accountable, in order to protect vulnerable migrants and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.