Feds: 19 underage victims rescued, 12 pimps arrested

DETROIT – The FBI announced the results of the local efforts of Operation Cross Country IX on Tuesday, revealing that the Detroit operation was among the most successful in the country. In the Detroit metro area, 19 underage victims were recovered and 12 pimps were arrested as part of the takedown.

"The Michigan State Police continue to support the efforts to combat human trafficking and rescue victims from the manipulation and constraints of suspects who take advantage of vulnerable children and adults in our community," Michigan State Police Captain Monica Yesh said. "Our department is committed to working with our law enforcement partners enforcing human trafficking laws and arresting the suspects who facilitate these horrific acts."

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The initiative is a national program spearheaded by the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, along with state and local law enforcement partners across the country, targeting the criminal enterprises responsible for the commercial sex trafficking of children.

"Our office is pleased with the success of the operation in metro Detroit, but we, along with all of our law enforcement partners, do not stop here," FBI - Detroit Division Special Agent in Charge, David P. Gelios said. "This is all part of an ongoing effort to continue to free victims of human trafficking, and arrest the individuals that commit these crimes."