FBI rescues 200 sex trafficking victims during nationwide operation
Operation Cross Country XIII also resulted in the location of more than 100 minors and the arrest of 126 suspects for sexual exploitation and trafficking offenses.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has rescued 200 victims of sex trafficking as a result of a "national law enforcement campaign" under the Operation Cross Country XIII - 2023. The operation also led to the identification of 126 suspects - some arrested - for child sexual exploitation and trafficking offenses and 68 other suspects of human trafficking:
The two-week campaign also resulted in the location of 59 missing children and 59 other child victims of child trafficking and sexual exploitation:
An operation in partnership with other agencies
The operation was conducted by the FBI in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). It also had the cooperation of other federal agencies, state and local police departments, and social service organizations across the country:
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the operation will remain in place to "prevent human trafficking; increase detection, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking crimes; and expand support and services to protect and empower survivors."
FBI Director Christopher Wray thanked everyone who worked to rescue the victims and apprehend the criminals. He further stated that the "operation would not be possible without the commitment and collaboration of state and local law enforcement partners, and demonstrates our continued focus on actively pursuing the criminals responsible for these egregious violations and connecting those affected with dedicated victim services and resources."