Over 20 migrants, including a 3-year-old girl, were allegedly smuggled and held hostage inside a Fort Worth, Texas, home late Wednesday in the freezing cold.
According to the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), among the Honduran, Guatemalan, and Salvadoran refugees rescued during an FBI operation at the residence were nine women and a three-year-old girl.
According to LULAC, the agents discovered the 26 refugees naked, hungry, cold, and scared.
According to those familiar with the case, the people were held captive by human traffickers until their families paid more money.
According to LULAC, agents were tipped off about the operation and its hostages, and they want more people to report unusual activity.
“We believe that the community should be alert, vigilant, and reporting. If you see something, report it. If you’re unsure, call anyway; let’s get these people some assistance “Hilda Duarte, district director for LULAC in Grand Prairie, Texas, agreed.
According to the Fort Worth Police Department, two people were apprehended and charged with person smuggling. Carlos Plata, 35, and Gonzalo Ramirez, 33, have been identified as the two people arrested. It is unknown whether they have hired lawyers.
LULAC is assisting migrants with food and lodging.
