April 13: A judge orders all cell phones confiscated from FLDS women and children amid allegations the move was triggered by women talking with Deseret News reporters and sharing pictures taken with the phones. Utah Attorney General says Texas raid could compromise Utah efforts to keep communication with polygamists open. Eldorado newspaper prints legal notices of the court's actions, preparatory to upcoming court hearing.

April 15: Public opinion intensifies. Child welfare officials defend the raid, say they have homes lined up for children if the state retains custody. Former FLDS members have little sympathy, say the abuses of which the Texas group are accused really happen. The ACLU decries "colliding issues," declines to take a stand.

April 16: Hearings begin in 51st District Court with Judge Barbara Walther presiding. Tom Green County courthouse is filled to capacity, with overflow going to City Hall.

April 17: Ten hours of testimony stresses that while no signs of physical or sexual abuse have yet been documented among children in custody, the general culture of the polygamous sect puts them at risk. Hearing is punctuated by dozens of objections and lawyer requests to be heard on issues of unlawful search and seizure, venue, freedom of religion and authenticity of records. Police in Colorado Springs announce they have arrested a woman, Rozita Swinton, for investigation of making a false report to authorities and make a tentative connection to the Eldorado raid. Texas Rangers go to Colorado to investigate.

April 18: Walther rules that all 416 children are to remain in custody of state. Search begins for foster homes. Some mothers say they will drop lifestyle to retain children. Judge promises individual hearings for each child before June 5. After a search of her home, Colorado Springs officials say Rozita Swinton is a "person of interest" in the phone calls that set off the raid.

April 19: Texas officials say they will try to keep siblings and teenage mothers and their children together as placements are made and promise sensitivity to particular needs of the FLDS. State and federal prosecutors asked to screen evidence taken in search of Swinton's home.

April 20: FLDS lawyers say they will aggressively challenge court's decision.Collection of DNA samples to try to match parents with children begins.