Overdose death in Northwest Indiana leads to discovery of 13 migrants living in overcrowded basement
HAMMOND, Ind. — Thirteen migrants were found living in a basement after a 911 call reported an overdose death at a Hammond, Indiana apartment building Tuesday, according to the Hammond Police Department (HPD).
Police said they were called to the 1100 block of Indiana Street around 4 p.m. on Tuesday to investigate an apparent overdose death of a resident at a multi-unit building. While investigating the overdose death, an upstairs resident told officers there were 13 individuals living in the basement of the premises.
Upon investigating the basement, police said they found 13 occupants — Including nine children ranging from two months to 14 years old, two adult women and two adult men — All from Venezuela.
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HPD dispatched their Code Enforcement Division, who said they identified numerous code violations that rendered the home a hazard to residents and the surrounding community. Violations included overloaded extension cords, as well as inadequate exits, windows and walls, according to police.
As a result of the inspection, the residence was deemed uninhabitable and the occupants were issued a notice to vacate the premises within ten days.
“This type of illegal basement apartment places people at extreme risk and danger, with owners often preying on marginalized people and those without means to find other adequate housing,” said Kelly Kearney, head of the city’s Department of Inspections.
Further investigation revealed the living arrangements for the 13 individuals from Venezuela were made by a local clergy member. The clergy member is not being identified because they have not been charged with a crime.
“If the investigation determines [the clergy member] believed [they] could send 13 undocumented people to live in an illegal basement apartment in our city, I will ensure that [they] be held responsible for these actions,” said Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. “The City of Hammond is not open to this type of illegal criminal activity and [they have] placed people in significant harm, including children.”
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HPD is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident and said they will be collaborating with relevant federal authorities to address any potential immigration law violations.
It is unclear at this time if the City of Hammond will assist in relocating the 13 Venezuelans after issuing a ten day notice to vacate the premises.
City officials said they will know more after a follow up inspection is conducted on April 12.
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