Gabriel Antonio Santos-Funes and Maria Valladares face four counts of child abuse, along with charges including assault, resisting a public officer and malicious conduct. The allegations have not been proven in court. Both were due back in court next month, and the Mecklenburg County detention center’s records listed ICE holds for the pair.

Police were called after a neighbor reported hearing screams. Court documents say officers found broken items and blood droplets outside the home, as well as destroyed furniture and decor inside. Knives, blow torches and other potentially dangerous items were reportedly within reach of the children. One child told officers she did not feel safe at home, the documents say.

The documents allege Santos-Funes tried to grab and bite officers and rubbed garlic and a Bible on an officer. Valladares allegedly grabbed an officer by the neck and spat on them. The report also says officers found spent and live shell casings at the scene.

A neighbor told reporters the family had lived in the area for a few months and that the allegations came as a shock. The neighbor said residents had heard unusual noises and yelling, but had not personally heard them.

The children’s current living arrangements and whether they received services were not detailed in the report. A neighbor said they hoped the children would get help after what they may have witnessed.