An epidemic sweeping the country’s roadways and causing human trafficking victims to vanish without a trace is being highlighted on the heels of one of the largest child-smuggling busts in United States history.
Individuals being trafficked along interstate highways has become increasingly common throughout the U.S. However, data regarding just how many victims are transported along interstate highways remains unavailable, largely due to the secretive nature of such crimes.
In November, a multi-regional operation involving several federal, state and local agencies resulted in the rescue of 122 missing or endangered children from ten states, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
The mission, referred to as “Operation Home for the Holidays,” marked one of the largest child-recovery efforts in the country’s history and included children ranging in age from 23 months to 17 years old.