The FBI rescued more than 21 people who were victims of human trafficking in a Fort Worth home on December 23. 

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 on the morning of December 23 and found 21 refugees from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala who were being held captive and tortured by the accused human traffickers.

LULAC President Garcia said that the captives were found naked, unfed, cold, and terrified, with details emerging that the people had been starved for several days.

Plata Ibarra, 35, and Gonzalo Ramirez, 33, were arrested by the Fort Worth police and charged with human trafficking.

The rescued victims included a toddler who had not breastfed for days because her mother could not produce milk due to starvation. 

LULAC confirmed that the rescued people were released to their care, and they provided them with food, shelter, medical care, and clothing. 

The victims are granted temporary immunity from deportation under the special visa provisions that protect victims of alleged crimes.

Hilda Duarte, LULAC’s national chaplain, 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 help they need, including getting medical attention and essential items and connecting them with family in the United States.

The rescue was a coordinated operation between the FBI and the Fort Worth Police Department.