A recent operation on November 2 and 3, 2023, by Tennessee authorities led to the recovery of 13 children who were at imminent risk of trafficking in Memphis, Tennessee.
The victims, ranging from 11 to 17 years old and including a two-month-old infant, were rescued in this operation.
“Operation Not for Sale,” a multi-agency initiative, was conducted by various federal and local law enforcement groups over a two-day period.
This operation aimed at identifying children at risk of trafficking, especially those with backgrounds of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or unstable family situations. These factors often make children vulnerable to exploitation.
Data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2021 indicated a significant challenge, with over 17,200 child sex trafficking cases and around 25,000 runaway children reports in the U.S.
Efforts to combat trafficking, as outlined by the Administration for Children and Families and the Polaris Project, involve multiple strategies, including education on trafficking signs and support for anti-trafficking organizations.
Similar to “Operation Music City Missing” in Davidson County which located 12 minors in September, this operation in Tennessee underscores the importance and effectiveness of collaboration in law enforcement to combat human trafficking and protect the vulnerable.
