Sting Nabs 157 Human Traffickers, Florida Sheriff Calls Out Complicit Government [WATCH]

Florida law enforcement officials recently arrested 157 individuals during a human trafficking operation known as “Operation Autumn Sweep.”

The sting, which targeted illegal activities related to prostitution, included 25 illegal immigrants, some of whom allegedly received federal government benefits after entering the country.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the results of the operation alongside representatives from various law enforcement agencies, including those from Marion County, Lake County, Auburndale, Clermont, Davenport, Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Tampa.

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“Operation Autumn Sweep” focused on individuals involved in soliciting prostitution, offering to commit prostitution, and aiding and abetting prostitutes. Additionally, three suspects were arrested for traveling to sexually batter children.

The operation commenced on October 2, leading to the identification of four potential human trafficking victims out of the 47 prostitutes who appeared at undercover locations.

Judd’s office reported that 96 of the arrested suspects were charged with soliciting prostitution, with a total of 35 felony charges and 201 misdemeanors issued across the group.

“The approach of Hurricane Milton caused us to end our investigation earlier than planned, but it’s still amazing that in such a short amount of time we were able to put 157 people in jail, and three child predators,” Judd said.

Among the 157 individuals arrested, Sheriff Judd revealed that 25 were in the U.S. illegally, hailing from countries such as Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Venezuela. “Sixteen percent of these total arrests were people who should not even have been in this country,” he stated. “But they were here, and they were here because we have a federal government that enabled these criminals to come into the country, and they treated them very well after the criminals came here illegally.”

Judd shared the story of a female suspect who entered the U.S. with her child. She reported that she flew into Mexico from Venezuela and then crossed the border into El Paso, Texas.

Upon her arrival, she was greeted by Border Patrol agents. “There is no border security at the southern border. Zero. It doesn’t exist,” Judd commented.

The woman was processed at a Border Patrol center, where she underwent a DNA test to confirm her relationship with her child. After passing this test, she was informed about the benefits available to her in the U.S., including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Subsequently, she received a free trip from Texas to Chicago, where she struggled to find employment. Eventually, she made her way to Florida with another complimentary flight.

“She was given free housing, all because the United States paid for that. That’s right. Use the taxpayers,” Judd explained. “This was not a stealthful act, and they gave her free travel, free housing, free food, free medical care. All while people from the hurricane are still waiting for help.”

Additionally, Judd reported that four of the women identified as human trafficking victims were smuggled into the country, with two admitting to owing a “coyote debt” of $6,000. “Make no mistake about it, the government is complicit and is aiding and abetting human trafficking in the United States,” he said.

BREAKING: Polk County, Florida. Sheriff announced 157 arrests in human trafficking operation, including Disney World employee and over 2 dozen illegal aliens

Sheriff; “There is no border security at the Southern Border. Zero. It doesn’t exist.” pic.twitter.com/K7wtYWnULD

— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) October 17, 2024

He also expressed concerns over the influx of fentanyl across the border, emphasizing the public health crisis resulting from this issue.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office indicated that 26 of the suspects reported being married, while nine claimed to be receiving government assistance.

Moreover, 10 individuals brought illegal drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana, to the locations where they intended to meet, while 10 firearms were also discovered.

Notably, 131 of the suspects hailed from outside Polk County, representing nine different states and the United Kingdom.

The sting operation revealed a wide array of backgrounds among the arrested individuals. The oldest suspect was 61, while the youngest was just 15 years old.

The investigation also uncovered that three of the suspects were active-duty military or veterans, while another three worked at Disney World.

Some of those arrested had previous encounters with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in similar operations.

Watch the full press conference:

As law enforcement continues to address the issues of human trafficking and illegal immigration, this operation underscores the complexities and challenges faced by authorities in combating these criminal activities.

The involvement of federal benefits and the status of the individuals arrested further highlight the ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy and public safety in the United States.

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