(DETROIT) — The FBI recovered and identified eleven victims of sex trafficking in the metro Detroit area.
Nine of the victims were juveniles, while two of them were adults. Additionally, three suspects were arrested during the sting, named "Operation Independence Day."
The FBI says Detroit had the third highest number of juveniles recovered and identified in the country.
“Child sex traffickers prey on the most vulnerable members of our society – young girls and boys. Through threats, violence and false promises, these traffickers compel their young victims to engage in sex acts for profit”, said United States Attorney Matthew Schneider in a news release. “I commend the hard work and dedication of the FBI, as well as all the state and local law enforcement agencies who took part in this very important operation. We are committed to rescuing victims and putting the perpetrators behind bars.”
Nationwide, 103 child victims were rescued and 67 sex traffickers were arrested during the month-long operation.
