The FBI's El Paso division, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety have rescued 14 victims held in another kidnapping for ransom incident, the U.S. Justice Department said.
According to a news release issued by the Department of Justice, the FBI El Paso Field Office's safe streets and violent crimes task force, with the assistance of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso sector and the Texas Department of Public Safety, West Texas Region, saved 14 undocumented immigrants who were locked up against their will in bad conditions and threatened.
The Justice Department said the migrants were locked in an outside building without appropriate ventilation in extreme and dangerous temperatures.
“Since February of this year, the FBI along with our partners have rescued 65 victims from these violent and terrifying situations," U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Downey said.
Downey also sought local support.
“We call upon El Pasoans to report suspicious activities they see occurring in their neighborhoods," Downey said. "It takes a concerned community to help law enforcement eradicate this violent crime from existing in our city and help protect a vulnerable population."
Another official took the opportunity to discuss the evils of human trafficking.
“This event demonstrates the callous human trafficking activities that transnational criminal organizations perpetrate for profit, extorting and holding migrants for ransom," El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez said. "Our incredible joint law enforcement collaboration saved these migrants from an uncertain outcome. Extortion and holding migrants against their will is cruel, and no one should endure or be victim to the vicious actions of human smugglers.”
