Fifty-six Peruvian men, women and children trafficked to the United States were rescued by authorities in Long Island, New York.

Federal authorities raided three houses on 21 June, exposing what is reported to be one of the largest trafficking rings found in the US so far. Those rescued told of being forced to work in as many as three jobs at a time for as long as 16 hours a day for up to four years. Authorities say that the traffickers controlled every aspect of their lives forcing the workers to hand over all of their earnings.

Many were told they owed up to US$12,500 for being brought to the US, but the debts never diminished. The three traffickers, a Peruvian family living in Long Island, lured people with promises of visas and work in the US. But when they arrived, they confiscated their passports and threatened to have them deported if they left. They also said they would hurt their families in Peru if they tried to escape.

Since being rescued, all 56 people have been provided with housing and are being helped to adjust to freedom. The traffickers have been arrested and are being held without bail.