SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) partnered with the Scottsdale Police Department's Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit and other Valley police departments in a prostitution sting called "Operation Spring Fling."
The operation was completed on Tuesday after police arrested 43 people, ICE officials said Friday. The undercover operation focused on hotel and street prostitution and targeted demand for commercial sex, sex buyers and human trafficking.
The 43 people were arrested on numerous charges, including prostitution, misconduct involving weapons and other warrants. Two of the people were also charged with child sex trafficking.
Officials have yet to release numerous points on information, including:
- How the operation was conducted
- Where each of the accused was arrested
- Whether each of the accused was arrested at the same location
- The health status of the children allegedly trafficked
Officials encourage "the public to report suspected sex trafficking or any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE, or by completing its online tip form," ICE officials said.
This is a developing story. Tune in to 12 News for the latest information.
Latest Arizona news
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12 News YouTube playlist here.
Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.