It was on Tuesday (February 5th) that an anti-human trafficking operation led by the Illinois State Police resulted in the arrest of five people on charges of seeking to engage in commercial sex acts. Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy, whose office provided support and assistance, says in this case it was undercover officers posing as underage girls that led to the arrests.
But sometimes, these arrests can lead to even more disturbing discoveries. For example, earlier this year, a search of a semi pulled over along Interstate 70 in Illinois led to the rescue of a girl who had been forced into human trafficking.
Lacy says, this type of behavior, and this type of danger, is all over; no matter where you live. It can affect all kinds of neighborhoods, and all levels of income.
AUDIO: I think a lot of people think that we live in a small community, and human trafficking and sex trafficking doesn’t occur here. And I think that’s a misunderstanding for a lot of people.
Statistics show that in 2021, over 10,000 situations of human trafficking were reported to the National Hotline. That’s just what was reported, so it’s only a fraction of the problem. And perpetrators communicating by screens continue to risk that their potential victims might be someone under cover; because the odds, unfortunately, remain in their favor.
Of those 2021 situations, 39% were minors, and 80% female. Lacy points out that often a teen who is caught up in trafficking has been drawn into it for many years. And sometimes, especially when it comes to minors, even by their own families. That’s where other adults in their lives can make a difference.
AUDIO: Unfortunately, sometimes it’s parents of children. Sometimes it’s a family member of young children that lure them into this type of behavior and activity, and they’re young and impressionable. I mean, hopefully, kids are speaking to their teachers, and they’re talking out when they know something’s wrong or something doesn’t feel right.
And once again, we remind you, that if you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text *233733. For more information, visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org.
State’s Attorney Lacy also mentioned that local organizations such as Crosspoint at the Y can be contacted for assistance. Or, contact that State’s Attorney’s Office at 217-554-7750, and they can refer you to a local organization.
ORIGINAL ILLINOIS STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASE:
Illinois State Police Leads Anti-Human Trafficking Operation
