Huge expansion of Human Trafficking Arrests in October 2016
As we approach the holiday season with family and friends let’s be mindful that human trafficking continues to occur at an alarmingly high rate. While there has been an increase in awareness and efforts in putting an end to the problem, in the month of October alone, the amount of arrests grew drastically, rising from 74 in September to 431. However, not only did the alleged suspects charge rise, the number of victims rescued tripled. The majority of the arrests and rescues resulted from Operation Cross Country X, a nationwide sting targeting human trafficking of children. Operation X was able to account for the rescue of 82 children, and 239 arrests of traffickers. Along with targeting domestic trafficking, Operation Cross Country X took place in several other countries.
In October, there were 431 individuals arrested, suspected, or charged with human trafficking activities, as well as 229 victims rescued, including 97 children under the age of 18 in the United States. There were three new laws passed and 56 community initiatives. Internationally, there were 119 individuals arrested, suspected, or charged with human trafficking activity, as well as 120 victims rescued, including 37 children under the age of 18. There were two new laws passed and 6 community initiatives
The National Consortium for Academics and Sport, the US Fund for UNICEF, UCF Athletics, and The DeVos Sport Business Management Program will be hosting a Shut-Out Trafficking week at UCF from Monday, November 28th through December 1st. This wonderful team has worked extremely hard to increase awareness of this modern-day slavery. To learn more, like the Shut Out Trafficking Facebook page and follow End Trafficking on twitter.
