This is IJM's largest anti-slavery operation ever—and it took place in the exact same, sprawling factory where we helped rescue more than 500 people in 2011.
 
The kiln owner had evaded arrest in that first operation, but today his impunity has ended. Police arrested him and five other accomplices from an organized trafficking network. They are currently in custody and will face charges under India's anti-trafficking laws and Bonded Labour Act.
 
The operation highlights a critical need in the fight against slavery: If criminals remain free, the violence will continue. But if laws are enforced and traffickers go to jail, we can end slavery for good.
 
Stunned by their chance at rescue
 
The rescue operation began with a frantic phone call from an escaped laborer sharing stories of shocking abuse. A team of trained police, government officials and IJM staff entered the brick kiln on Wednesday morning, and they found hundreds of families already toiling under the hot sun.
 
When officials explained that rescue had arrived, many couldn't believe it was real. One government officer asked the crowd "Who wants to go free?" but he was met with a stunned silence. Slowly, one man raised his hand, then another. Soon dozens of tired hands shot into the air, ready to finally exit into safety. (Photo via IJM)
 
As police gathered evidence and arrested the kiln's owners, the families packed up their few belongings—some even running with excitement—and prepared to leave the kiln.
 
Authorities brought them to a prearranged wedding hall to rest, then documented their stories and prepared official Release Certificates to grant their freedom. These certificates dissolve the false debts and other lies that held these families in slavery. In total, 373 received certificates—the most ever in an IJM case. The remainder were...
 
Continue reading here.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

I Nearly Died of Alcoholism; but I Found Purpose in Life Rescuing Street Dogs

Red States Eclipse Blue States in Education as ‘Ideological’ Policies Are Blamed: Report

As Abortion Drug Spreads, Concerns Grow over Contamination of Water Supply

White House First: Syrian Presidential Visit; Advocates for Syrian Christians Urge Trump to End Aid 'Chokehold'

Chuck Schumer Faces Democratic Fury After Government Shutdown Deal

8 Democrats Cave on Obamacare Funding - The Shutdown Is Over

'Absolutely Stunned': WWI Soldiers' Messages in a Bottle Found in Australia

Cory Asbury Gives Update on Alternative Super Bowl Halftime Show: ‘A Jesus Moment’

California Teachers Forced into LGBTQ ‘Loyalty Test’ that Labels Christian Beliefs as Bigotry

Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah Rebuild as IDF Finds More Hamas-UNRWA Ties

John Kennedy Predicts How Many More Days Shutdown Will Drag On

Russiagate Subpoenas Sent Out by Grand Jury as Comey Prosecution Unearths New Revelations

Ex-Hamas Wife Whose Father Helped Create the Terrorist Group Meets Jesus in a Miraculous Dream

Gym in Los Angeles Revokes Membership of Woman Who Opposed Man in Women's Locker Room

American Consumers Footing the Bill: Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Trump's Tariff Power

These Two Officials Would Make an Unstoppable Presidential Ticket, Trump Says

High Stakes on the High Seas as US, China Test Limits of Military Power

FAA Slashes Flights at 40 Airports as Democrat Shutdown Grounds America

NYC's First Muslim, Socialist Mayor the Top Story as Democrats Sweep the Off-Term Elections

Dems Win in VA with First Female Governor, Jones Overcomes Murder Text Scandal to Win AG