SAN ANTONIO — A deputy with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office is responsible for saving the lives of eleven undocumented people from a possible human trafficking ring, BSCO announced Monday.
According to the sheriff's office, the deputy was on patrol along Rittiman Road on the city's east side when he spotted a large group gathered. Some members of the group scattered upon seeing the deputy, who decided to investigate, believing "some sort of physical or sexual assault" took place, BCSO says.
The sheriff's office says the entire group of people were undocumented from Mexico. The department believes that the individuals are victims of a human trafficking or slavery ring.
Dr. Julie Strentzsch is the Chief Program Officer for the Roy Maas Youth Alternative organization that provides emergency care and counseling services to children and young adults who are victims of sex and labor trafficking.
"We tend to believe that trafficking is something that happens in another country. And it just isn't true," said Strentzsch.
Strentzsch said the traffickers are experts at manipulating their victims.
"They often say that they're bringing kids and adults here for a better life, and they take their money, and then they use them along the way to traffic or labor traffic them," said Strentzsch.
"They are being forced, they're being sold, and they are told to do horrendous things," she added.
Strentzsch also said that once they become victims, it's hard to get away from the predators.
"They're afraid to run away because the trafficker has told them I'll kill your family or I'll hurt somebody in your life, and so they're so worried about what might happen," she said.
BSCO contacted Homeland Security and Investigation, who has taken over the investigation.
HSI spokesperson Nina Pruneda says the agency has confirmed that all of the individuals are in the United States illegally and are from Mexico. The department is working to determine how the individuals got to San Antonio and who is responsible. HSI is individually interviewing the possible victims, as well as run biometric and background checks on the individuals.
An 18-wheeler was detained near the scene, but both the truck and driver were cleared.
Sheriff Javier Salazar issued a statement following the announcement of the incident:
“It's a tragedy that these folks come here looking for a better life and, quite frankly, they're preyed upon and taken advantage of—and they're forced into modern day slavery. There is no doubt in my mind that the deputy’s actions helped saved the lives of several of these persons. A tragedy could well have been averted.”
Strentzsch said victims can find help at a "safe place."
Victims, or anyone concerned about someone who may be victim can text the word SAFE and the current location (address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357) for immediate help, or call 1-800-RUNAWAY.
Roy Mass Youth Alternatives also has an emergency/crisis line where someone is available 24 hours to help at 210-340-8090.