The FBI of Denver recently announced the achievements of Operation Cross Country, a national initiative aimed at identifying and rescuing victims of sex trafficking. The Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, along with local, state, and federal partners, successfully rescued 27 victims during the operation, including eight minors and nineteen adults. In addition to the rescues, the operation led to the identification of traffickers and the arrest of individuals involved in both child sex trafficking and human trafficking. Through a multi-disciplinary approach and victim-centered methodology, the FBI in Denver works tirelessly to combat this heinous crime and provide support to survivors. The success of Operation Cross Country is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of law enforcement agencies and community organizations.
Operación Cross Country
Overview of Operación Cross Country
Operación Cross Country is a national operation conducted by the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF) of the FBI Denver Regional Office. This operation aims to rescue victims of sex trafficking and human trafficking, as well as investigate and arrest individuals involved in these criminal activities. Through collaboration with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Operación Cross Country focuses on the identification and location of victims, with the ultimate goal of bringing traffickers to justice and providing safety and support for the victims.
Collaboration with National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The collaboration between the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is crucial in the success of Operación Cross Country. NCMEC provides valuable assistance in the identification and location of victims of sex trafficking, as well as valuable resources and support services for the victims. This partnership enhances the effectiveness of the operation and ensures that the rescued victims receive the necessary support and care they need to recover from their traumatic experiences.
Focus on identification and location of victims
The primary focus of Operación Cross Country is the identification and location of victims of sex trafficking and human trafficking. The task force works tirelessly to gather intelligence and investigate criminal organizations involved in these activities. By identifying and locating the victims, law enforcement agencies are able to rescue them from their traffickers and provide them with the necessary support and resources to begin the healing and recovery process.
Investigation of criminal organizations
In addition to the rescue of victims, Operación Cross Country also seeks to investigate and dismantle the criminal organizations involved in sex trafficking and human trafficking. Through meticulous investigation and collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and organizations, the task force aims to bring the perpetrators to justice and disrupt the operations of these criminal networks. This investigative work is crucial in preventing further victimization and ensuring the safety of the community.
Arrest of individuals involved in sex trafficking and human trafficking
Operación Cross Country has proven to be highly successful in the arrest of individuals involved in sex trafficking and human trafficking. During the recent operation, a total of 5 traffickers were arrested, and an additional 8 traffickers were identified for further investigation. These arrests not only hold the traffickers accountable for their actions but also serve as a deterrent to others involved in these criminal activities. By apprehending and prosecuting these individuals, law enforcement agencies send a strong message that human trafficking will not be tolerated.
Participating agencies and organizations
Operación Cross Country is a collaborative effort that involves the participation of numerous law enforcement agencies and organizations. Some of the agencies and organizations that participated in the recent operation include the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, 20th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Adams County Department of Human Services, Arapahoe County Department of Human Services, Arapahoe County Juvenile Assessment Center, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, and many more. This multi-agency approach ensures the success of the operation and facilitates the sharing of resources and expertise.
Rescue of 27 victims
During the recent Operación Cross Country, a total of 27 victims of sex trafficking were rescued. Among these victims, 8 were minors and 19 were adults. The successful rescue of these individuals is a testament to the effectiveness of the operation and the dedication of the task force in protecting the vulnerable and bringing an end to the exploitation of human beings. These rescued victims are provided with immediate support and are connected with community, state, and federal resources to ensure their safety and recovery.
Identification and location of 14 minors
One of the significant achievements of Operación Cross Country is the identification and location of 14 minors who were victims of sex trafficking. Through the collaborative efforts of the task force and the valuable assistance of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, these minors were located and rescued from their traffickers. This accomplishment emphasizes the importance of timely intervention and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Arrest of 5 traffickers
Operación Cross Country led to the arrest of 5 traffickers involved in sex trafficking and human trafficking. These arrests are a significant step towards dismantling the criminal organizations behind these heinous crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice. By holding these individuals accountable for their actions, law enforcement agencies send a strong message that human trafficking will not be tolerated and that those who exploit others for profit will face severe consequences.
Identification of 8 additional traffickers for further investigation
In addition to the arrest of 5 traffickers, Operación Cross Country also identified 8 additional traffickers for further investigation. These individuals will face thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and build strong cases against them. This ongoing investigation is crucial in dismantling the criminal networks involved in sex trafficking and human trafficking and ensuring long-term safety for potential victims.
Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force
Role of CEHTTF in the operation
The Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF) plays a crucial role in Operación Cross Country. This task force, which is a part of the FBI Denver Regional Office, is responsible for coordinating and leading the operation. The CEHTTF works in collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as community resources, to ensure the success of the operation and the safety of the victims. Through their expertise and multidisciplinary approach, the CEHTTF brings traffickers to justice and provides support services to the victims.
Multidisciplinary team approach
The success of the CEHTTF in Operación Cross Country can be attributed to its multidisciplinary team approach. The task force brings together professionals from various fields, including law enforcement, social services, victim advocacy, and healthcare, to provide a comprehensive response to the complex issue of child exploitation and human trafficking. This multidisciplinary team collaborates to gather intelligence, investigate criminal organizations, rescue victims, and provide support and services to the survivors.
Trauma-informed and victim-centered methodology
The CEHTTF adopts a trauma-informed and victim-centered methodology in its approach to Operación Cross Country. This means that the task force recognizes the impact of trauma on the victims and is sensitive to their needs. The team works together to ensure that the rescue and support services provided to the victims are tailored to their individual circumstances and promote their healing and recovery. By adopting this methodology, the CEHTTF aims to minimize further trauma and empower the survivors to reclaim their lives.
Rescue and support services for victims
One of the primary objectives of the CEHTTF in Operación Cross Country is to rescue victims of child exploitation and human trafficking. Once rescued, the victims are provided with immediate support, including medical care, counseling, and access to safe housing. The task force collaborates with community resources, such as evaluation centers and child welfare agencies, to ensure that the victims receive the necessary services to meet their immediate needs. The CEHTTF is committed to providing a supportive environment for the survivors and helping them rebuild their lives.
Collaboration with community resources
The success of the CEHTTF in Operación Cross Country is due in part to its collaboration with various community resources. These resources, including evaluation centers, child welfare agencies, and victim advocacy organizations, play a crucial role in providing support and services to the survivors. Through this collaboration, the task force ensures that the victims have access to resources and expertise beyond law enforcement, enabling a more holistic approach to their recovery. The CEHTTF values the contributions of these community resources and recognizes their importance in achieving long-term safety and healing for the survivors.
Commitment to justice and safety for child trafficking victims
The CEHTTF is committed to seeking justice for child trafficking victims and ensuring their safety. The task force works tirelessly to investigate and prosecute traffickers, with the aim of bringing them to justice and preventing further victimization. Through its coordinated efforts, the CEHTTF sends a clear message that child exploitation and human trafficking will not be tolerated in the community. The safety and well-being of the victims are at the forefront of every operation conducted by the task force, and their commitment to achieving justice remains unwavering.
Success Stories
Case of a 16-year-old victim trafficked by her father
One of the success stories of Operación Cross Country involves the rescue of a 16-year-old victim who was trafficked by her own father in exchange for drugs. This case highlights the harrowing reality that child exploitation can occur within families. Through the concerted efforts of the CEHTTF and its partner agencies, the victim was rescued from this abusive situation and provided with immediate support services. The identification and rescue of this victim underscore the importance of early intervention and the need to address child trafficking within all levels of society.
Case of a missing minor found with a known trafficker
Operación Cross Country also led to the discovery of a missing minor who was found in a hotel with a known trafficker. This case highlights the link between missing children and the prevalence of human trafficking. Through the swift actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the operation, the minor was safely rescued and reunited with her family. The identification and rescue of this missing minor serve as a testament to the effectiveness of Operación Cross Country in locating and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Reunification with parents or guardians
One of the positive outcomes of Operación Cross Country is the successful reunification of rescued victims with their parents or guardians. The task force works diligently to ensure that the victims’ families are notified and involved in the recovery process. By facilitating this reunification, the CEHTTF provides a sense of relief and hope for both the victims and their families. Reunification allows the victims to receive the necessary support and care within the familiar context of their families, aiding their healing and recovery.
Support services provided by evaluation centers and child welfare
Operación Cross Country recognizes the importance of support services in the recovery of trafficking victims. Evaluation centers and child welfare agencies play a crucial role in this process by providing specialized services tailored to the needs of the victims. These services may include medical care, counseling, educational support, and access to legal resources. Through the collaborative efforts of the CEHTTF and its community resources, the victims are able to access the comprehensive support they need to rebuild their lives.
The importance of allies in the operation
Operación Cross Country emphasizes the critical role of allies in combating child exploitation and human trafficking. The success of the operation is made possible through the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community resources, and victim advocacy organizations. Together, these allies work towards a common goal of rescuing victims, bringing traffickers to justice, and providing the necessary support and services to survivors. The CEHTTF recognizes and values the indispensable contributions of its allies throughout the operation and acknowledges that their involvement is essential in achieving long-term success in combatting these crimes.
Participating Agencies and Organizations
The success of Operación Cross Country is a result of the collective effort of various law enforcement agencies and organizations. The following agencies and organizations participated in the recent operation:
- 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office
- 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
- 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
- 20th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
- Adams County Department of Human Services
- Arapahoe County Department of Human Services
- Arapahoe County Juvenile Assessment Center
- Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office
- Arvada Police Department
- Aurora Police Department
- Boulder County Digital Forensics Laboratory
- Boulder County Sheriff’s Office
- Boulder Police Department
- Brighton Police Department
- Broomfield Police Department
- Colorado Springs Police Department
- Colorado Springs PD Metro Vice Unit
- Colorado State Patrol
- Commerce City Police Department
- Denver Juvenile Services Center
- Denver Police Department
The coordinated efforts and collaboration between these agencies and organizations were instrumental in the success of Operación Cross Country. Their dedication and expertise ensured the identification and rescue of victims, as well as the arrest and investigation of traffickers involved in child exploitation and human trafficking.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Child Trafficking
Year-round work of the CEHTTF
While Operación Cross Country is an important national operation, the work to combat child trafficking continues year-round. The Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF) is actively involved in ongoing investigations, intelligence gathering, and victim support services. The task force remains vigilant to reports of potential child trafficking cases and takes immediate action to identify and locate the victims. Through their continuous efforts, the CEHTTF aims to bring justice to the victims and hold traffickers accountable for their crimes.
Immediate response to reports of child trafficking
The CEHTTF emphasizes the importance of an immediate response to reports of child trafficking. Upon receiving information about a potential victim, the task force takes swift action to identify and locate the victim, or notifies the relevant local and state agencies for support. This rapid response is crucial in rescuing victims and preventing further harm. The CEHTTF encourages the public to report any suspicions or information related to child trafficking, as their cooperation is vital in the identification and rescue of victims.
Public vigilance and cooperation
Operación Cross Country highlights the role of public vigilance and cooperation in combatting child trafficking. The CEHTTF urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or potential cases of child exploitation. By staying informed and aware, citizens can play a crucial role in identifying victims and assisting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat child trafficking. The CEHTTF relies on the cooperation of the public, recognizing that their assistance is essential in protecting vulnerable children.
Reporting and assisting in the identification and rescue of victims
Operación Cross Country emphasizes the importance of reporting any suspicions or information related to child trafficking. The CEHTTF urges individuals who suspect child trafficking to report their concerns to the appropriate law enforcement agencies or contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) through their hotline. By reporting and providing information, individuals can assist in the identification and rescue of victims, ultimately contributing to the dismantling of criminal networks involved in child exploitation.
FBI’s commitment to the pursuit of justice
The FBI’s commitment to the pursuit of justice is evident in its efforts to combat child trafficking through Operación Cross Country. The CEHTTF, along with its partner agencies and organizations, works diligently to investigate and prosecute traffickers and provide support services to victims. The FBI recognizes that the fight against child trafficking requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, and it remains dedicated to achieving justice for the victims and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Through its ongoing efforts, the FBI aims to bring an end to the exploitation of children and hold those responsible accountable for their crimes.