Sheriff reveals 26 illegal migrants not on federal 'radar' among 255 arrested in Florida sex-trafficking sting
Share and Follow

A multi-level operation, aptly named “Fool Around and Find Out,” nabbed 255 suspected human traffickers, child sex predators and illegal migrants in Central Florida.

The Polk County, Florida, operation, conducted over nine days in May, resulted in the arrest of the highest number of individuals ever recorded in a single sting by the sheriff’s office. 

Sheriff Grady Judd told Fox News Digital that the operation was a coordinated effort with multiple law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which was embedded for the first time with the Central Florida department. 

“We made a lot of arrests. Our team preps in advance. We know what places to go on social media to find those evil people or to set up for them to come to us, so they did a remarkable job.”

Handcuffed man behind prison bars

Detectives charged a total of 102 felonies and 284 misdemeanors during the investigation. (Getty Images)

Judd said Polk County has a zero-tolerance stance on criminal activity.

“This is not the last one. This is just the last one. There’s going to be another one, and another one and another one.” 

Judd’s message is clear: those who come to Florida with criminal intent will not remain in the shadows and will be publicly held accountable.

“Florida is the vacation state. People come from all around the world with their children,” he said. “We want to make sure that it’s a safe environment, and it is.” 

“If you think you’re gonna sneak here and, ‘Hey, what goes on in Florida stays in Florida’, that’s wrong,” he said. ” I’ll put you on blast all across the nation, and that’s a guarantee.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Our honest team review of Prose’s personalized haircare

Prose Personalized Haircare: In-Depth Team Review and Honest Insights

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if…
Texas Gov: ICE 'losing respect' as Minneapolis shooting rocks Trump

Texas Governor Criticizes ICE Amidst Backlash over Minneapolis Shooting Impact on Trump Administration

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called on the Trump administration to reassess…
Gunfire, arson and vandalism: Tracking political violence in America

Unmasking America’s Political Turmoil: A Deep Dive into Gunfire, Arson & Vandalism

In recent years, American politics has been marred by a series of…
2 people found dead at Rob Reiner's Los Angeles home, reports say

Tragic Private Jet Crash at Maine Airport: All 8 Aboard Feared Dead

In a developing situation, Bangor International Airport has temporarily ceased operations as…
Melissa Gilbert breaks silence after Timothy Busfield's release

Melissa Gilbert Speaks Out Following Timothy Busfield’s Recent Release

Melissa Gilbert has broken her silence following the release of her husband,…
Terrified tourists flee after one 'offered elephant food' in Sri Lanka

Tourists in Sri Lanka Make Hasty Escape After Elephant Encounter

In a heart-stopping encounter in Sri Lanka, tourists were forced to flee…
DHS probes whether agents killed VA nurse following accidental discharge during Minneapolis ICE raid

Investigation Launched: DHS Examines Fatal Shooting of VA Nurse During Minneapolis ICE Raid

The Department of Homeland Security is delving into the circumstances surrounding the…
Academy Award-winning 'The Revenant,' starring Leonardo DiCaprio, returns to theaters to celebrate its 10th anniversary!

Relive the Epic: ‘The Revenant’ Returns to Theaters for a Decade Celebration with Leonardo DiCaprio

“The Revenant” is set to make a triumphant return to the big…