FBI RESCUES 26 HOSTAGES IN D/FW
December 22, 2022
For more information, contact
David Cruz at (818) 689-9991
davidcruz@lulac.org
LULAC RECEIVES A CALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
Nation's Largest and Oldest Latino Civil Rights Organization Dispatches Veteran Community Leader and Member at 2 AM to Help Captive Refugees
Dallas, Texas – Domingo Garcia, national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), is issuing a nationwide alert following an incident in Ft. Worth early this morning involving 26 Honduran refugees rescued from human traffickers by the FBI. If you see something, say something, and call the LULAC national tipline, being monitored 24/7 to provide information. The LULAC national headquarters number is: (202) 833-6130.
"LULAC salutes the FBI agents involved in the raid," says Garcia. "LULAC will continue to work with them to stop human smugglers and traffickers," he adds. The FBI raided a home in the Ft. Worth area early today and found more than two dozen refugees, stripped naked, unfed, cold, and scared, and held hostage by coyotes. Officials said the people had not eaten in two days; among them was one pregnant woman. Also, agents found a 3-year-old infant still breastfeeding but whose mother could not nourish her child because she was out of milk from lack of food.
The rescued individuals have been granted temporary immunity from deportation under the provisions of a VISA U which protects victims of alleged crimes. They were released to LULAC, who immediately transported them to lodgings Garcia paid for in the area, and he provided funds for clothing and food.
"When I got the call at 1:45 AM, my heart raced, and I went into action mode," said Hilda Duarte, LULAC district director in Grand Prairie, Texas. Duarte is leading the assistance effort for the persons rescued. "Our first task was to get them safely processed out of law enforcement custody and get them to housing where they could rest for a few hours. Since then, we have worked to ensure they get medical help and essential basics and connect them to their family in the United States," added Duarte.
