EL DORADO, Texas (ABC 4 News) – Police and state officials have been involved in a raid or a siege at the FLDS Church compound near El Dorado, Texas where polygamous followers of Warren Jeffs live.
Several police and state agencies are involved in the raid which began Thursday night, including Texas child protection service workers. Witnesses say an armored personnel carrier vehicle is also involved.
There are no reports of any violence or injuries, and it is not clear what law enforcement officials are after. FLDS members have been known to keep weapons with them, and have vowed in the past to defend themselves, and no immediate threats have been recently reported.
The FLDS compound near El Dorado is the largest gathering of Jeff’s followers outside of the Colorado City, Arizona and Hildale, Utah area. The compound has grown into a small, fenced-in town, complete with utility services. There is a large white FLDS temple at the center of the enclave.
Warren Jeffs is in Arizona awaiting trial. He was convicted of rape as an accomplice in Utah last year.