The FBI raided a home in Fort Worth on December 23, 2022, and rescued more than 21 people who were the victims of suspected human trafficking. During the raid, two alleged traffickers were arrested.
The president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Domingo Garcia, confirmed in a statement that the FBI raided the house in the early morning and found 21 Honduran refugees who were allegedly being held captive and tortured by the accused men.
LULAC President Garcia added that the captives were stripped naked, unfed, cold, and scared, with details emerging that the people had not eaten for days.
Plata Ibarra, 35, and Gonzalo Ramirez, 33, were arrested by the Fort Worth police and charged with smuggling of persons.
The rescued group included a toddler who had not breastfed for days and a pregnant woman. Due to a lack of food, the toddler’s mother could not breastfeed her child since she could not produce milk.
LULAC further confirmed the people were released to them, and they will provide them with food, shelter and clothing. They also added that the victims had been granted temporary immunity from deportation under the special visa provisions that protect victims of alleged crimes.
LULAC’s national chaplain, Hilda Duarte, said, “When I got the call at 1:45 am, my heart raced, and I went into action mode.” Duarte is now leading and coordinating the assistance of the rescued migrants. She said that her organization would provide them with the necessary help they need, including getting medical attention and essential items, and connecting them with family in the US.
The rescue was a joint operation between the FBI and the Fort Worth Police Department. The incident remains an ongoing investigation, an FBI spokesperson confirmed.