An FBI-led operation has culminated in the arrest of 67 suspected sex traffickers across the United States and the recovery of 103 child victims, authorities announced.
The initiative—dubbed Operation Independence Day—was a month-long operation that took place in July. In total, 161 operations were conducted nationwide as part of the initiative, which was a revamp of a previously successful program. More than 400 agencies participated.
According to the FBI, the sweep included undercover operations that led to the opening of five dozen federal criminal investigations. FBI agents and analysts worked closely with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to identify potential victims, which can include “young runaways, missing kids, and juveniles.”
FBI agents also worked with state and local partners to carry out the operations.
“This initiative has two crucial goals: rescuing children being sold for sex and prosecuting their adult traffickers,” Attorney General William Barr said in a statement. “Child sex trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our society.
“Perpetrators victimize children in communities throughout the country, and we are determined to find and rescue them,” he continued. “Through the FBI’s leadership, we have recovered thousands of child victims, and this latest operation adds to the success of that decades-long effort.”
In a similar statement, FBI Director Christopher Wray noted that the bureau is “fiercely focused” on reaching the two goals Barr had pointed out. He said their staff works tirelessly to make sure victims receive the help they need “to reclaim their lives.”
President Donald Trump, who has made combating human trafficking a focal point of his administration, signed into law the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act and Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, or SESTA-FOSTA in 2018. The legislation stops the shielding of website operators from state criminal charges or civil liability if they facilitate sex ads or prostitution.
Sex-trafficking website Backpage.com—the largest human-trafficking portal in the United States—was taken down by the FBI in 2018.
“We know this horrendous crime impacts communities across our country every day and we applaud the FBI for continuing to work tirelessly to locate these victims and hold accountable those who are selling children for sex,” said John Clark, president and CEO of NCMEC.
The FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit and the Department of Justice coordinated the operation.
In some areas in the United States, illegal immigrants drive child sex crime charges, The Epoch Times previously reported.
The Constitution says there can be no cruel or unusual punishment, but in cases like this I’d be willing to look the other way.
With the federal death penalty reinstated we should see 67 executions very soon, no?
Unless one of them is Bill Clinton I don’t give a shit!
These are the people that were supplying Bill and his buddies. There is always a next step. Put them in general population in a state prison. The inmates will deal out the justice.
400 agencies net 63 traffickers? 400. Let that sink in
Let’s see a geographic breakdown. Specifically re ‘sanctuary cities’.
Wonder how many of those busted were illegals or their direct associates?
But were they separated from the only parents they’ve recently known?
I reiterate that the reason why Democrats fight so hard against controlling our borders is because THEY are the child sex patrons.
This why the left vehemently supports open borders in their support to help supply a steady stream of young girls and boys to their friends in the sex trafficiting under-world.
“…recovery of 103 child victims…”
103.
Holy Mother of God.
FOLLOW. THE. MONEY.
It will lead back to democrat politicians.
From the article:
“The sweep resulted in 60 new federal investigations.”
Sixty new federal investigations resulting from this operation.
Imagine the terror people associated with the arrested are feeling right now.
Their righteous punishment has begun.
The FBI finally did something productive.