30+ Children Rescued in Texas Anti-Trafficking Operation

“The safety of our children is the safety of our communities, and justice demands that we protect those who cannot protect themselves,” said US Marshal Susan Pamerleau for the Western District of Texas. “Through Operation Lightning Bug, we reaffirm our promise to safeguard the most vulnerable and strengthen the safety of our communities.”

“Every suspect arrested, juvenile returned home, and survivor taken out of harm's way matters. This operation demonstrates what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies unite to protect children," San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) Chief William McManus added.

Kirsta Leeberg-Melton, the CEO and founder of the Institute to Combat Trafficking said that the operation is just a highlight of the larger issue of exploitation. She said that traffickers target vulnerable children who do not have a strong support system.

“They are easy pickings for traffickers to take advantage of," she warned. "They exploit these needs by offering those items and then calling in debts and putting those kids in a position where they are able to exploit them for sex or for labor."

She also addressed the growing problem of exploitation online. "Trafficking is the exploitation of men, women and children for forced sex or forced labor by a third party for their profit or gain. That’s been around forever," Leeberg-Melton said. "What hasn’t really been around is people’s understanding of that crime and their knowledge that it’s happening everywhere!"

"As technology advances, traffickers…are early adopters and adapters of technology," she said. "The internet allows them to connect with victims and buyers far beyond their local area."