Florida law enforcement officials conducted a major human trafficking sting that resulted in the arrest of 157 individuals, including 25 illegal immigrants, some of whom allegedly received federal benefits upon entering the country.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and representatives from various law enforcement agencies, including those from Marion County, Lake County, and Tampa, announced the outcomes of “Operation Autumn Sweep.” This operation targeted illegal activities related to soliciting prostitution and aiding and abetting sex workers, with three additional suspects arrested for travelling to assault children sexually.
The operation commenced on October 2, leading to the identification of four potential human trafficking victims among the 47 prostitutes who arrived at undercover locations to solicit sex. Of the 157 individuals arrested, 96 were explicitly charged with soliciting prostitution. The operation resulted in a total of 35 felony charges and 201 misdemeanours.
“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 remarked.
Among those arrested, 25 individuals were found to be in the U.S. illegally, originating from countries including Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Venezuela.
“Sixteen per cent of these total arrests were people who should not even have been in this country,” Judd stated, criticising the federal government for allowing these individuals to enter and remain in the U.S. “They treated them very well after the criminals came here illegally.”
Sheriff Judd shared the story of a female suspect who entered the U.S. with her child. She informed investigators that she had flown into Mexico from Venezuela and crossed the border into El Paso, Texas. Upon her arrival, she was met by Border Patrol agents. “There is no border security at the southern border. Zero. It doesn’t exist,” Judd said.
Following her arrival, the woman went to a Border Patrol processing centre, where she completed the required procedures and was placed in a housing facility for migrants.
She claimed she underwent a DNA test to verify her relationship with her child and was informed about benefits she could access in the U.S., including Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Judd said she received a free trip from Texas to Chicago but struggled to find employment upon arrival. The woman eventually decided to move to Florida, where she was provided with a free flight.
“She was given free housing, all because the United States paid for that. That’s right. Use the taxpayers,” Judd criticised. “They gave her free travel, housing, food, and medical care. All while people from the hurricane are still waiting for help.”
Additionally, Judd reported that four women identified as human trafficking victims had been smuggled across the border, two of whom admitted to paying a $6,000 debt to a coyote.
“Make no mistake about it, the government is complicit and is aiding and abetting human trafficking in the United States,” he stated, adding that the open border policy has facilitated the influx of fentanyl and other dangerous substances, contributing to rising fatalities in the country.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office did not respond immediately to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
In addition to the illegal immigrants arrested, Judd’s office noted that 26 suspects claimed to be married, nine reported receiving government assistance, and 10 brought illicit drugs such as cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana to the meeting locations. Ten firearms were also seized during the sting. Notably, 131 suspects were outside Polk County, including individuals from nine states and the United Kingdom.
The ages of those arrested ranged from 15 to 61 years, and among the suspects were three active-duty military personnel or veterans, as well as three employees of Disney World. Several suspects admitted to leaving their spouses or fiancés at home while engaging in illicit activities.
