BATON ROUGE, La. — Homeland Security Investigations agents detained 10 Chinese nationals on June 11 during a worksite enforcement operation targeting nine illicit massage businesses in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.
Agents entered the premises under state criminal search warrants related to prostitution and pandering. During the operation, bulk cash and additional evidence were seized and are currently being processed.
“This is a joint investigation between HSI and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office,” officials stated. Multiple agencies participated, including Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Border Patrol, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Baton Rouge Police Department, Zachary Police Department, Baton Rouge Fire Department, and St. George Police and Fire Departments.
The detained individuals are undergoing interviews to determine their removability status under U.S. immigration law. HSI indicated that removal processing is ongoing.
High-level officials oversee operation
Attorney General of Louisiana Liz Murrill and East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore were present at the HSI Baton Rouge command post throughout the operation, underscoring the multi-agency coordination involved.
The operation targeted businesses suspected of involvement in prostitution-related offenses and potential immigration violations. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests or charges will follow as the investigation continues.
Bulk cash recovered from the locations is being counted and analyzed for potential financial and criminal implications.
The Baton Rouge operation highlights ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit businesses allegedly involved in criminal activity and immigration violations.
