By rssfeeds-admin ISP Director Brendan Kelly said human trafficking is one of the most underreported and under-identified crimes.
“Human trafficking can come in many forms, from commercial sex acts to forced labor,” said Kelly. “Because human trafficking has many faces and can happen almost anywhere, it is important to have a comprehensive, statewide trauma-informed response that encompasses those who may come in contact with individuals who are being trafficked, such as law enforcement, child services, case workers, treatment providers, and others.”
In total, the ISP Trafficking Enforcement Bureau conducted seven “human trafficking demand suppression” operations in 2024, resulting in a total of 31 arrests statewide.
Charges filed during the seven operations include Indecent Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child, Grooming, Solicitation to Meet a Child, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Armed Violence. In addition, ISP obtained charges in three more cases, including charges of Involuntary Servitude and Promoting Prostitution.
ISP said it will conduct at least one operation each month.
In Rockford, Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley said last month that one of his office’s goals for 2025 was to bring more charges in human trafficking cases.
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