State Police emphasize focus on human trafficking victim-centered operations and recovery efforts in 2025
In the year 2025, the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council (AHTC) collaborated with various agencies to execute two human trafficking operations in Fort Smith and West Memphis. Col. Mike Hagar, Arkansas Secretary of Public Safety and Director of the Arkansas State Police (ASP), emphasized the state’s aggressive approach to combatting human trafficking. He underscored the importance of law enforcement’s unwavering efforts and the crucial role played by victim service partners in achieving tangible results such as rescuing victims, prosecuting offenders, and enhancing the overall response to human trafficking across Arkansas.
The council received a total of 110 human trafficking reports, with an additional 72 reports channeled through the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline and another 354 related to sexual exploitation. As part of the operations, multidisciplinary teams engaged with 21 adults, ensuring immediate access to medical care, advocacy services, and needs assessments. Furthermore, investigators and victim specialists successfully identified 61 more trafficking victims, bringing the total number of rescued individuals from these operations to 82.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin stressed the pervasive nature of human trafficking, dispelling the misconception that it only occurs in metropolitan areas or foreign countries. He highlighted the presence of human trafficking in communities of all sizes, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. One of the significant revelations from the attorney general’s office pertained to investigations into illicit massage businesses, revealing instances of human trafficking in both large and small communities throughout Arkansas.
The success of VALOR (Victory through Advocacy, Law Enforcement, Outreach, and Recovery), a bi-weekly working group under the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council Law Enforcement Committee, was lauded by the Arkansas State Police. Through the collaboration of state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and child-welfare professionals, VALOR facilitated the identification, location, and recovery of missing children. The program also focused on providing immediate trauma-informed victim services to prevent re-victimization and exploitation. Notably, in 2025, VALOR played a pivotal role in recovering 204 missing children, marking a significant increase from the 82 recoveries documented in the preceding year.
As of January 1, 2026, there were 104 active missing-child cases involving individuals under 18 in Arkansas. Among these cases, there were 45 females and 59 males, with varying age demographics. Sergeant Foster emphasized the paramount importance of protecting victims, strengthening investigative efforts, and ensuring that every missing or exploited child receives the necessary support, advocacy, and resources upon being located.
Human trafficking remains a pressing issue that demands ongoing attention and collaborative efforts to combat effectively. The commitment of law enforcement agencies, victim service partners, and multidisciplinary teams stands as a testament to the collective resolve to eradicate human trafficking and safeguard vulnerable individuals within Arkansas communities.