U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) collaborated with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in a nine-day undercover human trafficking operation that resulted in 255 arrests. The operation, which began on May 2, targeted illegal activities such as soliciting prostitutes, prostitution, aiding or abetting prostitution, and child exploitation.
During the operation, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami – Tampa sub-office interviewed over 50 foreign-born individuals. This led to more than 30 ICE detainers being placed with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. These individuals hail from countries including Venezuela, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil. They will be transferred to ICE custody after their criminal cases are resolved. Their charges range from solicitation of prostitution to soliciting a minor for sex.
“ICE is in a unique position to enforce immigration law in the interior of the U.S. with its broad investigatory authorities and law enforcement capabilities,” said David Gritte, Assistant Field Office Director at ICE ERO. He emphasized that their mission is to maintain public safety by removing dangerous criminal aliens from communities.
The operation included an ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa task force officer who provided investigative support for both human trafficking and child sexual predator missions. The officer participated in undercover operations targeting suspects attempting to engage in sexual encounters with minors. The task force officer was responsible for six out of ten arrests of these “travelers.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated: “It is extremely disturbing when we encounter nasty child predators like these who are very eager to have sex with children.” He highlighted the importance of such operations in keeping children safe.
Upon resolution of their criminal charges, ICE will take custody of those identified as criminal illegal aliens for removal processing. ICE officials continue to focus on identifying threats to public safety and national security.
The public is encouraged to report suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity via the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or through the online ICE Tip Form.
For updates on efforts by ICE HSI Tampa and ICE ERO Miami to enhance public safety in Florida, follow them on X at @HSITampa and ERO Miami.
