Bible Camp Horror: 88 Kids Rescued in Iowa Human Trafficking Probe

Federal and local agents swooped in on a quiet religious camp in rural Iowa this weekend—what they found shocked even seasoned investigators.

Authorities removed 88 children from the Shekinah Glory Bible Camp in Columbus Junction, Iowa, as part of a multi-agency human trafficking investigation, law enforcement confirmed Monday. The raid, coordinated by the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, was carried out in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), state investigators, and local police.

“This is one of the largest operations of its kind in recent Iowa history,” a source familiar with the investigation told the outlet. “We’re still trying to understand the full scope of what these children went through.”

Children Found at Isolated Christian Campgrounds

The camp, operated by Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation, was marketed as a summer Bible retreat running from June 8 to 29, with a heavy focus on religious teachings, sobriety, and outdoor activities.

But this weekend, officers executed simultaneous search warrants at two sites—the main campgrounds in Columbus Junction and a secondary housing facility two miles away in Fredonia. Both locations were reportedly run by a Burmese Christian sect whose leaders immigrated to the U.S. as refugees.

“Once removed from the premises, the children were taken to the Wapello Methodist Church, where they met with child protection officers and trauma counselors,” Louisa County deputies said. The children are now under state protective custody and are being temporarily placed with foster families until further notice.

Teen’s Cry for Help Triggered Massive Probe

The operation was reportedly set in motion after a teenager from Texas contacted authorities, claiming he was being held at the camp against his will. According to camp representatives, the teen simply didn’t want to be there and called the police.

Victor Bawi, whose parents lead the ministry, told KWQC, “We never harmed that child. We loved him. We bought him like $400 shoes, clothing, everything.”

But law enforcement sources say it wasn’t that simple. The teen’s account allegedly described conditions of forced separation, strict control over communication, and unauthorized detainment—red flags consistent with trafficking protocols.

Camp Leaders Deny All Allegations

“We take care of adults and children who are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, nicotine,” said Bawi in a statement to local reporters. “We separate boys from girls, children from adults. We provide food. We care for them.”

The church insists the children were attending voluntarily and had access to activities like volleyball, soccer, and Bible study.

But authorities are now investigating whether children were being exploited under the guise of religious rehabilitation—especially since the group operated with no known licensing for childcare or residential treatment programs.

Refugee Church Under Scrutiny

The ministry is operated by two pastors from Burma, members of the Chin ethnic minority. Iowa is home to one of the largest Burmese populations in the country, with many Chin refugees settling in towns like Columbus Junction to work in the Tyson Foods meatpacking plant—a facility that slaughters roughly 2% of all U.S. hogs annually and provides translation services for dozens of languages.

Bawi’s parents, the founders of the camp, reportedly came to the U.S. fleeing Myanmar’s decades-long civil war. While the church has been active since 2018, it is now facing its most intense scrutiny yet.

On June 16, the same day the raid made headlines, Myanmar was officially added to the State Department’s ban list for U.S. entry—a move that some in the refugee community fear could escalate xenophobic backlash.

Investigation Ongoing

No arrests have been announced, but investigators say charges could be forthcoming as evidence is reviewed and witnesses are interviewed.

“We’re not ruling anything out,” said one official. “Our priority right now is the safety and recovery of the children.”

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is expected to release more information later this week.

This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates as the investigation into the Shekinah Glory Bible Camp unfolds.