Both Mange and Palmer said they'd heard reports that the "jaws of life," a device used to get victims out of crashed vehicles, had been taken to the scene to open the temple doors. They couldn't confirm whether that was the case or whether the device was used.

In Utah, Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith, who has been involved with law-enforcement issues in the FLDS community of Hildale, said he knew at least a week ago that Texas authorities would raid the YFZ ranch.

"I don't know all the particulars, but apparently in the eyes of the authorities in Texas there was credible evidence to justify their actions," Smith said on Monday, adding he has kept in close contact with Schleicher County Sheriff David Doran ever since members of the FLDS church arrived there several years ago.

"I have to give them (Texas authorities) the benefit of the doubt that they're doing the right thing," Smith said.

"I don't see that I would have done anything differently myself," he said of the raid on the compound. "It's like a bomb threat. They have to go in."

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Contributing: Nancy Perkins

E-mail: bwest@desnews.com