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At least one Cuban citizen is among the 255 individuals arrested in a major operation against human trafficking and the dismantling of a sexual exploitation and crime network carried out by federal agencies in the United States, as confirmed this week by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The operation, which lasted nine days and began on May 2nd, was led by the Polk County Sheriff's Office in collaboration with ICE and other local, state, and federal agencies. The operation focused on crimes such as solicitation of prostitution, prostitution, facilitation of sexual encounters, and child exploitation.
Despite the fact that it was initially reported that among the detainees were a former NFL player and a high-ranking executive from the Red Cross, both were involved in illicit activities uncovered during the operation. It was not until days later that information about the nationalities of the detainees was revealed, when ICE published additional details confirming the presence of migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico, Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil.
Of the more than 250 arrested, at least 50 were foreign-born individuals, and more than 30 received immigration detention orders for being in an irregular status. Once their criminal proceedings are resolved, they will be transferred to ICE custody for deportation.
“We are committed to identifying and removing the most dangerous foreign criminals. Our officials are on the streets every day to protect public safety,” stated David Gritte, Deputy Director of ICE ERO in the Miami-Tampa region.
In addition to the arrests related to prostitution, the operation succeeded in identifying and apprehending 10 suspects known as "travelers", men who sought to engage in sexual activities with minors. Six of these arrests were carried out directly by an agent from the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) team of ICE in Tampa.
A specialist in forensic interviews from ICE also participated in the operation, conducting interrogations after the arrests to identify potential victims of commercial sexual trafficking.
“It is extremely disturbing to encounter such cruel child predators as these,” stated the Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd, who emphasized that the authorities' priority is to protect minors.
Florida, particularly areas like Miami and Tampa, is home to a large Cuban migrant population. While many seek legitimate opportunities, ICE warns that migrants in irregular situations may be more vulnerable to getting involved with or being targeted by criminal networks.
Authorities reminded that anyone who is illegally in the U.S. and is arrested during such operations can be subject to deportation proceedings under federal law.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Operation Against Human Trafficking in Florida
How many people were arrested in the operation against human trafficking in Florida?
In the operation against human trafficking in Florida, a total of 255 people were arrested. This operation was led by the Polk County Sheriff's Office in collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal and state agencies.
What were the main crimes identified during the operation in Florida?
The operation focused on crimes such as solicitation of prostitution, prostitution, facilitation of sexual encounters, and child exploitation. In addition, 10 suspects known as "travelers" were arrested for attempting to engage in sexual relations with minors.
What nationalities were present among those arrested in the operation in Florida?
Among those arrested were migrants of various nationalities, including Cuba, Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico, Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil. Of the more than 250 arrested, at least 50 were foreign-born individuals.
What actions will ICE take with the migrants arrested during the operation in Florida?
Migrants who are in an irregular situation and were arrested during the operation will be transferred to the custody of ICE for possible deportation once their criminal cases are resolved.
How does this type of operation affect the Cuban community in Florida?
This type of operation creates a growing tension for Cuban migrants in the United States, especially those in irregular situations who may be more vulnerable to being targeted by criminal networks. Furthermore, current immigration policies increase the risk of deportation for this community.
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