
In the ongoing battle against human trafficking, January holds significance as the month dedicated to raising awareness in the United States. Highlighting the efforts of local law enforcement, the Eden Prairie Police Department (EPPD) has continued to prioritize the prevention and prosecution of human trafficking offenses.
According to a publication from the EPPD, in November, a joint operation involving Eden Prairie, the Bloomington and Plymouth Police Departments, alongside the West Metro Drug Task Force, succeeded in arresting a man suspected of grooming a woman for prostitution. The woman, having responded to a fake ad set up by officers, disclosed her fears and the intentions of the man subsequently apprehended after attempting to flee on foot.
This kind of inter-agency collaboration is part of an ongoing initiative known as the "494 Corridor Group," involving law enforcement from multiple cities including Richfield, Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Maple Grove. The group focuses on I-494 to tackle crimes related to human trafficking and the rescue of its victims. In 2024 the group reported significant progress, with "34 recoveries and three sex-buyer arrests during sting operations" according to the EPPD's bulletin.
The support toward these efforts extends beyond law enforcement, with community groups stepping forward to provide comfort kits for the victims. These kits are packed with essentials, food, clothing, gas cards, personal hygiene products, and hand-knit hats to assist victims in their recover process.
If you or someone you know is facing sexual exploitation or trafficking, immediate help can be sought by calling 911 or reaching out to the MN Day One Crisis Line at 1-866-223-1111. The EPPD continues to encourage public awareness and maintains a commitment to address this serious issue. For more insights into their work and other related efforts, the EPPD provides updates and resources on their official blog.