Across the United States, human trafficking doesn’t always happen in the shadows. Often, it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life. In neighborhoods, in businesses that seem ordinary, in places people pass by every day without a second thought. Illicit massage businesses (IMBs) are one of the most common covers human traffickers use, exploiting vulnerable individuals while avoiding detection under the appearance of normalcy. These massage establishments often masquerade as legitimate massage businesses, but behind closed doors, they facilitate sex trafficking and other illegal services.
On May 29, 2025, agencies across the country came together to confront this exploitation through Operation Coast to Coast, a 24-hour, multi-state effort involving more than 150 law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate partners across 19 states. Together, teams conducted 33 search warrants involving 26 IMBs, identifying 97 individuals, including 1 minor, in suspected trafficking situations, offering them support, and arrested 74 suspects connected to human trafficking networks.
“Human trafficking is a problem that cannot be solved alone. Our Rescue is honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement, nonprofits, and private industry — because only together can we end human trafficking,” says Nate Davis, VP of Mission, North America, Our Rescue.
Over the past 12 months, Our Rescue has sponsored dozens of trainings through the Human Trafficking Training Center (HTTC), equipping more than 1,000 officers across the U.S. and Canada with the knowledge and skills to effectively investigate human trafficking. These trainings help law enforcement recognize trafficking indicators, adopt trauma-informed approaches, and collaborate effectively during large-scale operations like this one. Additionally, we provided digital forensics equipment and covert cameras to three different task forces that participated in the operation.
This operation was mainly focused on shutting down illicit massage businesses, which serve as known hotspots for organized sex trafficking. Investigators used technology platforms like TraffickStop to analyze suspicious activity and identify high-risk locations. In just one day, authorities entered at least 26 suspected IMBs, disrupted trafficking operations, and gave dozens of individuals a path toward safety and hope.
Our Rescue is proud to have supported the trainings and sponsorships that made this effort possible, and we are grateful for the professionals who carried it out. Large-scale rescues don’t happen by accident. They require planning, resources, and the commitment of teams who are willing to work together across state lines to combat trafficking effectively.
As we continue to combat human trafficking, we remain committed to supporting the brave professionals who work tirelessly to identify these trafficking situations. Their efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from sex trafficking and shut down illicit massage businesses are crucial to our mission.
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