In a deeply segregated Mississippi town during the 1960s, the sudden disappearance of three civil rights workers triggers an intense investigation. Two FBI agents are dispatched to the town to unravel the mystery: the seasoned and brash Agent Anderson and the younger, more methodical Agent Ward. Their contrasting methods create tension as they face resistance from both local law enforcement and the community. The agents uncover a web of racial hatred and corruption fueled by the Ku Klux Klan, implicating local officials and residents alike. As they delve deeper, they confront the pervasive bigotry that infects every level of the community.

Throughout their investigation, the agents encounter brutal violence and witness the oppressive conditions faced by African American residents. They form alliances with reluctant locals, including a deputy's wife who provides crucial insight into the town's hidden machinations. As tensions rise, the agents press on against formidable odds, striving to bring justice to those silenced by fear and intimidation. Despite numerous challenges, including internal FBI politics and physical threats, their relentless pursuit of truth lays bare the systemic racism plaguing the region.