In a concerted effort to address prostitution and human trafficking in Phoenix, law enforcement agencies have recently ramped up their responses in an area notoriously known as "The Blade" near 27th Avenue. "Operation New Beginnings," involving the Phoenix Police, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, and the County Attorney’s Office, have collectively aimed to curb the illegal activities. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell highlighted the necessity of the operation, telling FOX 10 Phoenix, "27th Avenue is not just the main area in Phoenix, but it is actually gaining national recognition as one of the major tracks in the United States. And that needs to stop."
The crackdown has resulted in several arrests, with nearly 70 people since August facing misdemeanor prostitution charges, including 22 in the last week alone. However, this surge in arrests has sparked considerable debate regarding the target of law enforcement's approach. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, the director of ASU’s Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention and Research, suggests that most arrested for prostitution are likely to be victims themselves. In a statement given to Arizona's Family, Roe-Sepowitz said, "I think when you try to sweep things away, when you try to clean up an area, that is when you lose the connection to the victimization."
Rachel Mitchell responded to concerns by assuring that each case will be individually reviewed to distinguish between those who willingly engage in sex work and those who are coerced or trafficked. Mitchell told Arizona's Family, "Understand that we’re going to review every case that’s submitted to us, whether it targets individuals such as these, or if we’re going to be looking at the traffickers themselves, or the buyers."
The crackdown is part of broader community efforts led by Grand Canyon University (GCU) and other law enforcement agencies, which form the coalition 27Collab. This coalition has been proactive in not only apprehending those involved in prostitution but also in supporting victims of trafficking and revitalizing the neighborhood. A GCU spokesperson elaborated to Arizona's Family on the recent Phase 2 of the operation, "This effort, spearheaded by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO), involved a collaboration ... and provides support for potential victims engaged in this activity, and create a safer and more supportive environment for the many residents, schools, churches, and businesses in these neighborhoods."
