12 people arrested, five places searched

MACOMB COUNTY, Michigan (FOX 2) – Law enforcement from multiple agencies raided three homes and two spas Wednesday morning and arrested at least a dozen people as they busted a human trafficking ring in Macomb County.

The Macomb County Sheriff and U.S. Customs and Border Protection were among law enforcement officers who arrived at homes and businesses starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday. They searched a home in Warren as well as two others in Macomb County. But they also searched health centers in Shelby Township and Sterling Heights.

At the end of the raids, the sheriff's office said it arrested a total of six people – four women and two men, aged 48 to 64. The arrests took place at a residence in the Lakeview Manor subdivision, near 21 Mile and Schoenherr.

Neighbors said the home was purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic and believed the home's owner was planning to open a restaurant. They assumed that everyone they saw inside and outside probably worked there.

However, it turns out the house was one of the locations law enforcement is investigating for human trafficking.

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CBP arrested six more – five men and one woman – for illegal immigration status.

Thursday morning, the sheriff announced they had seized high-end jewelry, a small amount of cocaine and more than $25,000 in cash.

“I commend the outstanding efforts of the SET Team, Sterling Heights Police, Border Patrol and the FBI,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “Their collaborative efforts and effective work resulted in the arrest of human traffickers in Macomb County.”

All suspects are expected to be arraigned Friday, the sheriff said.

The FBI and Sterling Heights Police all participated in the operation, searching the following locations:

• Homes in Macomb, Shelby and Warren Townships

• 25 Health Spa at 54798 Shelby Rd, Shelby Township

• Spa Healing Plus at 39573 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights

The case is still ongoing.