Florida authorities rescue 163 minors in human trafficking crackdown

Authorities in Florida have rescued 163 minors, ranging in age from two months to 17 years, during a major anti-human trafficking operation known as ‘State Shield’. The operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals linked to an international trafficking network involving more than ten countries, including Mexico, Spain, and Colombia.

Many of the rescued children reportedly suffered various forms of abuse, including negligence, exploitation, and human trafficking. While the primary focus was in Florida, the operation extended across several U.S. states, including Alabama, California, Ohio, New York, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Tennessee. Rescues were also reported in multiple international locations, including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Italy, and Mexico.

The rescued minors have been placed in designated recovery centers to receive medical care and social services. This crackdown follows a similar large-scale operation in Florida a year ago that rescued 122 minors.