Police in Iowa conducted a raid on a church, removing 88 children involved in a Bible study camp amid a broader human trafficking investigation, authorities announced Monday.

The children are now under the care of local protective services after they were taken from Shekinah Glory Camp, operated by Kingdom Ministry of Rehab and Recreation, according to officials.

Over the weekend, deputies executed search warrants and transported the children to Wapello Methodist Church to meet with child protection workers, reported KWQC.

3

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services placed children in temporary foster care while efforts to reunite them with families proceed, deputies added.

The camp, operated since 2018, was held from June 8-29 by Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation.

The ministry’s family rejected allegations of abuse, with the owner stating that no children were harmed and that they cared for the children, including buying shoes and clothing.

3

Bawi, who manages the ministry, mentioned that a Texas teen called authorities to avoid attending the camp, emphasizing that no children were harmed and that they provided for their needs, including purchasing shoes and clothes.

He also shared that the children enjoy outdoor sports such as volleyball and soccer outside of Bible lessons.

3

Authorities coordinated the operation with multiple agencies, including the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Columbus Junction Police Department. The investigation is ongoing.

The camp is run by two Burmese pastors. Iowa has a sizable Burmese community, many of whom work at the Tyson meatpacking plant, a major employer in the area, often with translation assistance provided on-site.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been added to the U.S. travel ban list as of June 16, amidst ongoing geopolitical issues.