According to neighbors in Clinton Park, at least four homes were raided by a combination of federal agents, state troopers, and local law enforcement officers. The U.S. Attorney's Office confirmed on Wednesday that 10 people were arrested on various gun and drug charges.
People living in the area said officers surrounded several homes before sunrise, creating a tense and confusing scene.
One resident, Frederick Johnson, said he was detained during the operation.
"I was apprehended, but I was released because I don't do no drama or trouble in the streets," Johnson said.
Johnson told ABC13 that he was handcuffed for about three hours before being released without explanation.
The DOJ said that while Houston's FBI branch was leading the operation, other agencies, including FBI San Antonio SWAT, Houston Police investigators, HPD SWAT, the U.S. Marshals Service, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, ATF agents, and the Houston Fire Department, were also part of the federal investigation.
SkyEye was overhead as images showed what appeared to be numerous law enforcement vehicles and officers conducting a court-authorized search.
Authorities, including the FBI, did not publicly confirm the purpose of the raids. However, multiple sources familiar with the situation told ABC13 the operation may be tied to drug-related investigations.
Some residents said they received advance notice that law enforcement would target the area.
"We got the call earlier this morning that they were coming to the 400 block," one neighbor said. "We tried to inform everybody that they were coming out here."
Residents say that a similar law enforcement raid happened in the same neighborhood about six months ago. Some believe the latest raids may be connected to that earlier operation, possibly based on new or updated information.
"They came here six months earlier before, so there is some updated information," another resident said.
Throughout Tuesday morning, officers were seen removing boxes of evidence from multiple homes. By midday, some of the properties involved had been boarded up.