This morning, a news headline came across the wires that caused me to pause for a second, and it was the news that 105 children were freed from the chains of modern day slavery and from being trafficked for sexual acts. USA Today and multiple news outlets shared reports that the FBI had also arrested 150 traffickers or “pimps.”
The FBI conducted the raid, Operation Cross Country, which was a massive nationwide sweep that targeted domestic minor sex trafficking. You can see some of the video below of the operation. This raid was coordinated by federal, state, and local agencies in 76 cities.
“"Child prostitution remains a persistent threat to children across America," said Ron Hosko, assistant director of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division, in a press release. "This operation serves as a reminder that these abhorrent crimes can happen anywhere and that the FBI remains committed to stopping this cycle of victimization and holding the criminals who profit from this exploitation accountable."
While this is a step in the right direction, there are still traffickers in this country and around the world for those who steal the innocence of women and girls. FRC has published a booklet, “Modern Slavery: How to Fight Human Trafficking In Your Community,” which provides ways to identify human trafficking in your community. Click here to download the booklet and share it with those in your community.