I believe that CPS was right. First, they received a call of child abuse. Yes, it turns out that might have been a hoax. But you would probably be surprised about how many hoax calls CPS receives- and they all have to be investigated.
Second, knowing the history of other closed societies, knowing that the gates were guarded, knowing that there were rumors of threats being made if anyone attempted to enter the compound- they took law enforcement with them to ensure a peaceful entry so they could investigate. In order to make sure they were not violating anyone's "religious rights" they got a search warrant, to allow their entry and a search of the property.
Upon entering the compound I believe they did find abuse in the form of pregnant teens. I believe that as the investigation progresses they will also find other forms of abuse. And evidence of incest, abandonment as well as evidence of other crimes.
I believe they had reason to remove the children to protect the ones known to have been abused (pregnant teens) and that they had to remove the others because of their being exposed to abuse as well as to a culture of "grooming" for future abuse. In that way, I believe that all the children were in danger, and I do believe that they will also find other abuses upon the younger children.
While I understand why the mothers were allowed to go with the children, needing time to observe them and see if they were going to compliant with the abuse, to help sort out who was of age and who was only lying and saying they were of age. Still, it is not usual practice to allow the mothers to go with removed children.
Yes, I agree that in order to accommodate the timeline, for court hearings they initial hearings had to be done in mass. But I do believe that future hearings should be done individually or at least by family groups (father and all wives)
I also believe that any parent who is proven to have lied about their child's age name or paternity and who doesn't give DNA, should not be allowed to gain their child back. And if it is found that they committed or condoned the abuses that they should be prosecuted (including leaders and the women as well as any "husbands.")
I also believe that if evidence of other crimes are found (incest, fraud, domestic violence, income tax fraud, tax evasion, polygamy etc.) that they should be prosecuted for those crimes.
And yes, I feel that Texas CPS had no other choice but to investigate the complaint they recieved. I believe they are mandated by law to do so .