HSI partners with local law enforcement in child exploitation takedown

Operation Broken Hearts – Child Sex Crimes Arrests

Operation Broken Hearts – Child Sex Crimes Arrests, Phoenix Police Department

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) collaborated with the Phoenix Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Tempe Police Department, Chandler Police Department, and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for Operation Broken Hearts. The week long sting operation began in early February resulted in nearly 40 arrests of suspected child predators.

“This multiagency operation is just one of many examples that underscores the importance of working together with our local and state law enforcement partners to take these alleged predators off the streets,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge for HSI Phoenix. “The relentless work by all resulted in an impressive number of arrests. We will continue our unwavering commitment to serve and protect our community against anyone seeking to sexually exploit our most vulnerable population.”

Operation Broken Hearts was an undercover operation targeting sexual predators engaged in child sex crimes and human trafficking. Throughout the operational period, officers and undercover detectives placed ads on websites and apps which are commonly sought out by suspects seeking illegal sex acts with children. These 37 suspects solicited and/or brokered deals for various sex acts and were subsequently arrested.

Each year, these agencies come together to conduct operations of this type in a continuous effort to reduce the demand that fuels child and human sex trafficking from our communities. The suspects in the latest operation ranged in age from 21 to 66-years-old.

Like all defendants, those accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

HSI is a directorate of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 employees consists of more than 7,100 special agents assigned to 220 cities throughout the United States, and 80 overseas locations in 53 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.

Arizona Capitol Dome Lit Blue for Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Throughout January, the Arizona State Capitol Dome will be lit blue in recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Arizona’s efforts to combat human trafficking, protect victims’ rights, and bring greater awareness and attention to this horrific crime.

"Thanks to the dedicated efforts and support of partners across our state, Arizona continues to be a national leader in the fight to end human trafficking," said Governor Ducey. "I want to thank the Arizona Human Trafficking Council, Cindy McCain, Arizona’s law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders for their ongoing, collaborative efforts to identify and support victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure we are providing appropriate resources to all affected by human trafficking. 


Together, we can put an end to this heinous crime.”

Since 2015, the Arizona Human Trafficking Council has led targeted statewide human trafficking prevention and awareness efforts. Under the leadership of Co-chairs Cindy McCain and Gil Orrantia, Director of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security, the Council has worked to raise public awareness towards victims’ services, develop a victims’ service plan, evaluate statewide human trafficking data, and support greater collaboration among stakeholders.

"Thank you to Governor Ducey for his proclamation of January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and for directing the Arizona Capitol to be lit blue to raise awareness of the horrors of human trafficking,” said Mrs. McCain. “Arizona remains a leader in developing innovative methods to fight human trafficking in all its forms. We have made tremendous progress and I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Governor to prevent human trafficking in Arizona and punish those who perpetrate this horrendous crime.”

To date, the Arizona Human Trafficking Council has provided trainings and awareness presentations to over 31,000 professionals and community members statewide. During 2018, the Council increased outreach efforts to Arizona’s tribal nations, expanded victim access to critical housing and medical services, and connected over 3,000 stakeholders, including tribal communities and students, to resources and training materials.

Click here to learn more about the Arizona Human Trafficking Council.

To report trafficking or get help, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. 

Click here to read the Human Trafficking Prevention Month proclamation.