Authorities Crack Down On U.P. Human Trafficking

Human trafficking continues to plague America, but authorities across Michigan's Upper Peninsula worked together on a three-day sting that led to seven arrests.

Many people think human trafficking is something that only happens in other countries outside of the United States. Yes, several other countries are involved in human trafficking, but sadly, it happens in America, and right here in Michigan.

Human Trafficking Sex Buyers Are Disproportionately White American Men

Studies have shown that white American men are disproportionately involved in sex buying and trafficking. They pay for sex in the U.S. or go to other countries to exploit children and vulnerable young adults.

Human trafficking is a serious problem in the United States, affecting thousands of adults and children across all states and territories. It is a form of modern-day slavery that preys on vulnerable individuals and operates both domestically and internationally.

Read More: Port Huron Father Charged in Triple Child Shooting

You don't have to go far to discover human trafficking, since Michigan is a top-ten state with thousands of cases each year. Recently, a major human trafficking bust took place in the Upper Peninsula.

Trafficking Sting In U.P. Leads To Several Arrests

According to the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, Michigan's Post Facebook page, a major human trafficking sting recently took place in the Upper Peninsula that was led by the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office.

Dickinson County Sheriff's Department were assisted by Kingsford Public Safety Department, Iron Mountain Police Department, Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, Marquette County Sheriff's Office, Menominee County Sheriff's Office, Niagara Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. The sting came from information provided by investigative journalist Chris Hansen and his TruBlue film crew, who documented portions of the effort to raise public awareness of human trafficking.

The three-day sting resulted in seven arrests, including one individual with prior offenses in Shelby Township for similar crimes.

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The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office pointed out that human trafficking and child exploitation don't just happen in big cities, but also go on in small towns and rural communities.

👇BELOW: Nonprofit agency Uprising shares information about human trafficking and exploitation👇