Phoenix Police assisted federal officials in the serving of a search warrant in an upscale Ahwatukee neighborhood Tuesday morning.
Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio initially told the media that the investigation was tied to a human smuggling ring, with at least 12 children found inside a home near 35th Street and Equestrian Trail.
However, hours later, DiCiccio's office backed away from his earlier statements, and asked the media to avoid identifying the incident as human trafficking. They said DiCiccio may have been told incorrect information.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Vince Lewis would only confirm Tuesday morning that the department was assisting the U.S. Postal Inspector, and referred further inquiries to their office. ABC15 has reached out to the Postal Inspector and has not yet heard back.
UPDATE: DiCiccio’s office asking media to avoid saying Ahwatukee incident was human trafficking. PD says Postal Inspector served warrant.
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) November 1, 2016
DiCiccio told ABC15 the raid involved the Postal Service, FBI, Phoenix Police Department, and SWAT team.
Federal officials at the scene said as of Tuesday morning there had have been no arrests in this case, but did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the investigation.
Homeowners near the scene said the house was rented to a group running a basketball camp.
