Illinois Woman Charged with Human Trafficking of Mexican Immigrants

Gladys Ibanez Olea faces charges for exploiting four individuals, including threats to their families and controlling their daily lives.

Gladys Ibanez Olea, 34, of Highland Park, Illinois, has been charged with human trafficking and involuntary servitude for exploiting four Mexican immigrants.
Olea allegedly forced the victims, including two women and two children, to work to pay off a 'debt' for their entry into the U.S., threatening to kill their families if they did not comply.
The victims were controlled through various means, including being stripped of their identification, money, and being locked out of food supplies.
A 15-year-old boy was prevented from attending school and given a fake ID to work, while a 2-year-old was given cold baths to alter his sleeping patterns.
Authorities rescued the victims on February 7, following a tip-off about the situation at Olea's residence, leading to her arrest.