In a significant breakthrough against human trafficking in Arkansas, state police have identified more than 40 victims during a single-day operation in Fort Smith. Operation VOICE (Victim’s Opportunity for Independence, Care, and Empowerment) was conducted in January by the Arkansas State Police (ASP) in collaboration with the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council.
The operation, which took place at a local, undisclosed hotel, identified 12 adults as human trafficking victims and identified an additional 32 individuals as local victims during the operation. Law enforcement also apprehended a trafficking suspect during the course of their work.
“This operation brought together law enforcement and victim support organizations from across the state, working compassionately to combat human trafficking,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Secretary of Public Safety and Director of ASP. “Together, we aim to recover victims and hold traffickers accountable, all in hope of creating safer and more supportive communities for everyone.”
Operation Details
Sergeant Matt Foster, ASP’s Human Trafficking coordinator, revealed that the operation utilized both indoor and outdoor teams at the hotel location. The teams were strategically positioned to provide immediate assistance to victims being dropped off and successfully apprehended a suspect during one such incident.
The operation prioritized victim support, offering essential services including food and lodging, medical assistance, counseling and therapy, and drug rehabilitation.
All minors identified during the operation were placed in protective custody, while adult victims were provided with comprehensive support services.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The success of Operation VOICE was made possible through the coordination of multiple agencies and organizations, including the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, Fort Smith Police Department, Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Arkansas Fusion Center.
Victim support organizations that participated included The Genesis Project, ReClaim, Into the Light, Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ACASA), Crisis Intervention Center, and the Northwest Arkansas Forensic Nurse Team.
The Ongoing Challenge
Penni Burns, CEO of the Crisis Center, emphasized that while awareness of human trafficking is increasing, the issue has long been present in the area. “This will lead to safer communities. If traffickers can’t come in here and recruit people to be victims of trafficking, then those traffickers will leave this area, and the only way to get victims out of those situations is to provide them victim services,” Burns stated.
Alarming Statistics
The scale of human trafficking in Arkansas is significant. In 2024 alone:
- Over 700,000 escort advertisements were posted in the state;
- The Human Trafficking Council recovered 82 high-risk missing children; and
- Investigations identified more than 300 victims statewide.
The investigation remains active, with authorities unable to release further details at this time. This operation represents a significant step forward in Arkansas’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and support survivors.