Operation Coast to Coast Uncovers 71 Human Trafficking Victims in U.S.

Operation Coast to Coast: A Milestone in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

In a significant effort to combat human trafficking, a coalition of advanced anti-trafficking organizations, law enforcement, and private companies has announced the results of Operation Coast to Coast. This large-scale operation, which occurred recently, has led to the identification of 71 victims—comprising 68 adults and 3 minors—and resulted in 34 arrests across 15 states.

The initiative was coordinated by the Iowa Fusion Center, working in collaboration with organizations such as the Human Trafficking Training Center (HTTC), Safe House Project (SHP), Delta Airlines, and Marinus Analytics, which developed the Traffic Jam technology. This technology aids human traffickers' investigations by leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze online information related to trafficking.

Dan Nash, a former state trooper and founder of HTTC, expressed satisfaction at the operation’s success, emphasizing the importance of having trained law enforcement agencies capable of identifying and effectively responding to trafficking situations. "Until now, we have seen too few officers know what to look for or what to do when they do identify a situation like this. We will not stop until every agency is trained, trafficker prosecuted, and victim turned into a survivor," he stated passionately.

Operations like these are more crucial than ever. Human trafficking generates a shocking $99 billion annually and permeates every American community, affecting the most vulnerable populations. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that only 17% of law enforcement agencies across the U.S. have received training on how to spot and investigate human trafficking cases.

Kristi Wells, CEO of the Safe House Project, also emphasized the value of partnerships in these operations, saying, "We are deeply grateful for the law enforcement officers who saw these women as victims of trafficking and gave them the opportunity to exit their situations and begin their journey to freedom."

The support offered to victims during this operation was critical. SHP staff played a vital role in ensuring that survivors had access to safety and necessary resources, including connecting them with safe housing. According to Wells, without immediate access to trauma-informed care, about 80% of survivors could face re-exploitation.

Moreover, Cara Jones, the CEO of Marinus Analytics, highlighted the innovative approach being taken to protect victims. "At Marinus Analytics, our team leverages computer science to apply AI for good, supporting frontline human trafficking investigators in harnessing online data to protect victims of commercial sexual exploitation," she remarked.

The commitment of law enforcement, non-profit organizations, and private sector players is instrumental in disrupting trafficking networks. As William Walker, Senior Vice President of Law Enforcement Operations at Our Rescue, stated, "Operations like this one are most successful when law enforcement, non-profit organizations, and private industry seamlessly collaborate to disrupt human trafficking networks as effectively as possible."

Launched in 2024, Operation Coast to Coast aims to promote awareness and action against trafficking. The increase in the scale of the operation reflects the heightened recognition of the issue and the efficacy of the training programs provided by HTTC to various law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

In light of the growing concern over human trafficking, members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected trafficking cases through the Safe House Project's Simply Report platform, available via their website or app. These collaborations signify hope and progress towards eradicating human trafficking and supporting victims in their recovery journeys.

For more information about HTTC and its efforts, visit humantraffickingtrainingcenter.com. To learn about the survivor support services offered by the Safe House Project, check safehouseproject.org.