Woman jailed for suspected human trafficking, family says her ‘intentions were pure’

SAN ANTONIO — We are learning more about a suspected human trafficking case.

Last week, a 52-year-old San Antonio woman was arrested for allegedly forcing six undocumented immigrants to work for pennies an hour.

Now, the woman's family is speaking up. In an exclusive interview with KENS 5, loved ones say Rosita Lira did not profit. Her son, Saul Garza, says she provided a sanctuary to those seeking a better life.

“[Officers] took a very important person out of this community who had nothing but pure intentions,” said Garza. “My mom believed that everyone deserved an opportunity.”

Lira recently took in a group of Venezuelan nationals, according to Garza. He says she provided food, clothing and shelter. Garza also claims she helped them find work.

Last week, Lira was approached by an undercover investigator.

“Our organized crime group actually ran a warrant in the 1600 block of Hillcrest at a residence associated with Rosita,” said Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar during a press conference. “That day, we were unable to locate her. Undercover surveillance was able to see her in the company of three young men, who were later found to be Venezuelan migrants. Our undercover investigator approached and asked how much it would [cost] to get some work done at a house.”

Salazar says Lira gave the officer a price and brought the migrants to an agreed upon location. That's when she was taken into custody, charged with six counts of human trafficking.

“These young men had been worked basically sun-up to sun-down by this suspect,” said Salazar, “and paid what amounts to be slave wages.”

Salazar calls the migrants ‘victims,' and says their hands were torn from manual labor.

Garza disputes those claims.

“People don't know the full story,” said Garza. “My mom only wanted to clothe and feed them. My mom didn't take any money from these guys. They earned every dollar, and most of the money they earned they sent back home to their wives. She sells insurance; life insurance. She doesn't know how to run a ‘work crew.' It's sad how the world is today, especially here in San Antonio.”

Just weeks before her arrest, Lira posted this video on TikTok.

All six migrants were taken to a shelter, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). Lira is being held on a $240,000 bond.

We will follow developments in the case.