Over 250 Arrested in Florida Human Trafficking Sting, Including Nationals from Cuba and Haiti

FLORIDA, USA — A major human trafficking crackdown in Florida has led to the arrest of 255 individuals, including several Cuban and Haitian nationals, according to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The large-scale operation, which was conducted in partnership with local and federal law enforcement, focused on crimes tied to prostitution, child exploitation, and other serious offenses. Officials confirmed that more than 30 immigration detainers were issued to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as part of the operation.

Those taken into custody hail from a wide range of countries, including Venezuela, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil. ICE indicated that these individuals will be transferred to federal immigration custody once their legal proceedings are completed. The charges vary from prostitution-related offenses to attempting to engage in sexual acts with minors.

David Gritte, Assistant Field Office Director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), emphasized the agency’s role in targeting serious offenders. “Our mission is rooted in protecting communities from dangerous individuals,” Gritte stated. “ICE has the tools and authority to act where it matters most — within the U.S. interior — and we remain committed to upholding public safety and national security.”

He stressed that the agency operates under a “worst first” policy, focusing on detaining the most egregious offenders, particularly those involved in human trafficking and crimes against children.

A Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) task force officer from the Tampa field office participated in the operation, offering key support in both investigative and forensic aspects. Undercover agents posed as minors or facilitators in online platforms to identify suspects — referred to as “travelers” — who were attempting to meet children for illicit purposes.

In the aftermath of the arrests, trained specialists conducted interviews to determine whether any victims of trafficking could be identified and offered assistance.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd condemned the actions of those involved, calling them “predators” and underscoring the operation’s primary aim — child protection. “It’s horrifying how many people are willing to exploit children,” Judd said. “These stings are critical. They send a clear message: if you seek to harm our children, you will be caught.”

ICE confirmed that once the judicial process concludes for each suspect, removal proceedings will begin for those found to be in the country unlawfully