Nearly 100 Children Removed from Iowa Bible Camp in Human Trafficking Investigation
Nearly 100 children have been taken into protective custody after a raid at an Iowa Bible camp as part of a human trafficking investigation, according to reports from KWQC and The New York Post.
Details of the Raid
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, along with multiple law enforcement agencies, executed search warrants over the weekend at the Shekinah Glory Camp, operated by the Kingdom Ministry of Rehab and Recreation. According to reports, 88 children were removed from the property and taken to Wapello Methodist Church, where child protection workers interviewed them.
Key details:
- Children are currently in temporary foster care
- Investigators searched both the camp and a nearby adult housing facility
- The investigation involves multiple agencies, including the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office
Ministry Denies Allegations
The owners of the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation have strongly denied any wrongdoing. Victor Bawi, whose parents run the ministry, stated they provide care for adults and children struggling with addiction.
“We take care of adults and children who are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, nicotine,” Bawi told WQAD8. “We separate the children from adults, separate boys and girls. We care for them, we provide for them.”
Bawi suggested the investigation may have stemmed from a disgruntled camper, claiming, “We never harmed that child. We loved him. We bought him, like, $400 shoes, clothing, everything.”
Ongoing Investigation
The summer camp was scheduled to run from June 8-29. Authorities have not released specific details about what prompted the investigation, but multiple agencies continue to work on the case, including:
- Louisa County Sheriff’s Office
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
- Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
- Columbus Junction Police Department
This remains a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Opinion: The Importance of Vigilance in Youth Programs
This disturbing case highlights the critical need for thorough oversight of youth programs, even those run by religious organizations. While the ministry denies wrongdoing, the removal of nearly 100 children suggests authorities had serious concerns. Parents entrusting their children to summer camps deserve absolute transparency about safety protocols. This incident should serve as a reminder for all organizations working with minors to maintain rigorous standards, proper staff vetting, and open communication with parents. Until more facts emerge, we must balance concern for potential victims with the presumption of innocence for the accused.
