NEWARK, NJ—The FBI Newark Field Office, NJ Department of Children and Families, and more than a dozen law enforcement agencies rescued five minor girls during Operation Cross Country in June and July 2023. Teams made up of agents, detectives, and staff members from both governmental and non-governmental agencies conducted undercover operations to identify and locate victims of sex trafficking and other high-risk minors in the state of New Jersey.

“When we open a sex-trafficking investigation, our immediate goal is to rescue the victim and do all we can to help them get food, clothing, and a safe place to sleep. Then we begin the long-term process of getting them health care, financial assistance, and help beginning their lives again. Meanwhile, we pursue and charge anyone tied to the sex-trafficking trade and criminal enterprises profiting off the victims. It’s a common misconception that our only focus is making an arrest,” said FBI Newark Special Agent-in-Charge James Dennehy. “I want to thank everyone who took part in this year’s initiative, their dedication and hard work pays off even when we rescue one victim.”

“The NJ Department of Children and Families has long-standing partnerships with the FBI and local law enforcement agencies that we cultivate through projects like Operation Cross Country, which every year brings back runaway, trafficked, and at-risk youth safely,” said DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “We value our collaboration and the relief our efforts bring to youth yearning for home, worried families, guardians, friends, and loved ones. Together, we share a vision of keeping New Jersey’s children and families safe, healthy, and connected.”

FBI Newark partnered with NJ Department of Children and Families, NCMEC, HSI, Covenant House, New Point Specialty – Trinitas, New Day Residential – Trinitas, FBI Philadelphia, FBI Philadelphia RA Scranton, Scranton PD, Orange PD, Perth Amboy PD, Linden PD, Bernardsville PD, Eatontown PD, and Piscataway PD.

The FBI-led nationwide initiative, in partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), brings awareness to the ongoing problem of human sex trafficking and the impact it has on child victims.

Resources:

• Victim Services Division
• Crimes Against Children
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
• NCMEC’s 24/7 call center number:  1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678)