Federal agents in Dallas carried out a large-scale raid targeting suspected human trafficking and unlawful employment activities at a local cabaret. On September 26, Homeland Security Investigations executed a criminal search warrant at Chicas Bonitas Cabaret with support from multiple law enforcement agencies. The operation resulted in the arrest of 41 undocumented migrants, the seizure of business records, and the confiscation of approximately $30,000 in cash.
Authorities confirmed that 29 of those detained are suspected of illegally working at the club, while the remaining individuals were held on administrative immigration violations. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Dallas took custody of those arrested. The individuals will undergo further processing as part of an ongoing federal investigation.
Officials stressed that the operation is part of a wider effort to disrupt potential trafficking networks and address unlawful employment practices. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard stated that the agency remains committed to combating sex trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals. He explained that the raid was made possible through the cooperation of federal and local partners, allowing agents to uncover evidence that could identify potential victims while halting suspected criminal activities inside the establishment.
The investigation also revealed that several of those taken into custody had prior criminal histories in the United States. Among them was Juan Carlos Salas Medina, a 30-year-old Mexican national with at least ten previous illegal entries and convictions including aggravated assault of a family member, possession of controlled substances, and driving under the influence. Another detainee, 47-year-old Julios Cesar Martinez, also from Mexico, has multiple convictions for assault causing bodily injury and driving under the influence. Additional individuals with records include Victor Manuel Manzano-Ramirez, who has a prior DUI conviction and two illegal entries, along with Gustavo Rojas-Garda and Genaro Diaz-Perez, both with past convictions for DUI and prostitution respectively.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that identifying repeat offenders with such criminal backgrounds highlights the seriousness of the issue and the risks associated with persistent illegal reentry into the United States. Federal authorities noted that the presence of multiple individuals with extensive histories of criminal conduct underscores the importance of targeted enforcement efforts at locations suspected of harboring unlawful employment and trafficking activity.
The raid was not conducted by Homeland Security Investigations alone. Several agencies collaborated in the effort, including the Dallas Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigative Division, and the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission. Their combined efforts allowed for a large-scale operation that secured both evidence and arrests in a single coordinated action.
Investigators continue to review the seized records and evidence, which could provide further insight into the scope of trafficking or illegal employment operations linked to the club. While federal officials have yet to disclose whether charges will be filed against the club’s operators or owners, the raid represents a significant development in efforts to dismantle suspected criminal networks tied to human trafficking and undocumented employment in the Dallas area.
This operation highlights the ongoing federal commitment to tackling immigration-related crimes and trafficking cases across Texas. Officials stated that more investigations of this scale should be expected, as partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies continue to strengthen enforcement measures and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
