Rescue Operation Saves 13 Trafficked Kids in Memphis, Exposing America’s Ugly Secret
In a remarkable joint effort by federal and local authorities in Memphis, 13 missing children have been rescued, identified as at risk of human trafficking. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), along with the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Memphis Police Department, and Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, executed a two-day operation named Operation Not for Sale to identify and safeguard vulnerable children from falling into the hands of traffickers.
Dr. John DeGarmo, founder and director of the Foster Care Institute, shed light on the harsh realities that put children at risk of trafficking. These vulnerable children, often emerging from unstable homes or the foster care system, may seek love and care elsewhere, making them susceptible to the manipulations of predators who offer them a seemingly better life.
Law enforcement agencies employ various methods to identify these at-risk children, such as tracking families with a history of domestic violence or sexual abuse, recognizing unique tattoos or bands, or noting sudden changes in attire. Sadly, in 2021 alone, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received over 17,200 reports of child sex trafficking from across the United States. These reports were accompanied by 25,000 reports of runaway children, of whom one in six is likely to become a victim of human trafficking.
Dr. DeGarmo aptly describes this grim reality as America’s ugly secret – a secret that needs to be exposed and confronted head-on. The recent Operation Not for Sale was conducted after intelligence analysts identified children who were at high risk of trafficking. From November 2 to 3, six search teams tirelessly scoured 56 different locations, successfully locating 12 juvenile victims ranging from 11 to 17 years old, as well as a vulnerable 2-month-old infant.
U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee, Tyreece Miller, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts among multiple agencies, emphasizing the importance of such operations in locating missing children. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ross Clint Cannon from Homeland Security Investigations also highlighted the significance of a unified approach in Western Tennessee.
Highlighting the extent of the issue, TBI estimates that between 500 and 600 children go missing every month in Tennessee alone, underscoring the urgent need for more operations like Operation Not for Sale.
This successful rescue operation not only saved the lives of 13 children but also exposed the dark underbelly of human trafficking in America. It serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the continuous effort to prioritize the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable population – our children.
CR: [Biden Administration Quietly Removes Child Sex Trafficking Content from DOJ Website]
