Vance Police Accuse Couple of Trafficking & Extorting Immigrants 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala
Investigations are still underway after two people were arrested on human trafficking charges, but local law enforcement believes there are more involved and are asking for the public’s help.

Assistant Police Chief Johnathan Mitchell said around three months ago, the Vance Police Department began receiving statements and evidence from people living in the small city of Vance located within Tuscaloosa County limits.

Allegations alleged 41-year-old Alex Francisco Ramirez and his girlfriend Sarabia Reyes “were taking all of their money, their documents, and pretty much holding them hostage here,” Mitchell said.

“Evidence collected indicate these aren’t the only ones brought over and that this happened to,” Mitchell said.

Victims shared with local law enforcement that the couple helped smuggle people into the United States from Mexico.

While the couple’s direct role is unclear, “they had an active role in getting them here,” Mitchell said.

Those who made it into the U.S., owed Ramierz and Reyes payment for their services. But because the couple stole their documentation – weather official or forged – and their money, these people were forced into servitude.

“Regardless of the legal status, it is just not a right for these people to take advantage of them, and basically enslave them in the country,” Mitchell said.

Ramierz and his girlfriend Reyes were arrested Friday, Nov. 22 at the El Sabor restaurant located on Vance Blockton Road. Woodstock Police aided Vance PD in executing search warrants, which led to the arrest.

This is the first time the city of Vance has made arrests for this type of illegal activity, however Mitchell noted just because it’s the first arrest, it doesn’t mean this is the first time it has happened.

“In a situation like this, it’s really hard because people in Hispanic communities who might not have legal status, have a fear of law enforcement,” Mitchell said.

Getting enough evidence to support a judge signing off on a search warrant is very difficult Mitchell said, however “this is the first time we had enough evidence to go forward with this.”

Mitchell says finding victims who will come forward – especially depending on their citizenship status – is hard, but those statements are what allowed the investigation to start in the first place.

“Documents can be fake, social security numbers can be obtained –  a lot of that is still ongoing parts that I can’t speak on with the investigation,” Mitchell said.

Law enforcement is looking into how many people Ramirez and Reyes helped enter the U.S. are here legally or illegally. Because victims owed payments for being smuggled, did not have identification, or possibly visas they were forced into servitude police said.

“They used us a threatening tool,” Mitchell said.

If these people could not pay their dues – “the couple would tell them they were going to be deported,” Mitchell said.

For others taken advantage of and forced into labor by the couple, there are certain protections that can be put in place, so they won’t be deported according to Vance PD. Police believe there are others who have a role in this illegal operation. If anyone has any information, you are asked to contact Vance Police Department. You can contact them via Facebook or by calling 205-553-8278.