HSI Phoenix joins law enforcement partners in investigation leading to 30 child sex related arrests

PHOENIX — Last month, several law enforcement agencies to include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) participated in a child sex operation known as “Deja Boo” netting 30 suspects.

During the month-long takedown, multiple valley law enforcement agencies targeted sex buyers involved in child sex trafficking and those intent on luring minors for sexual exploitation. The collaborative efforts of those involved led to the filing of child sex related crimes on 30 individuals through the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Chandler Police Departments also participated in the arrests. The ability of all these agencies to come together and work as a unit led to the success of this operation. View a list of defendants, booking photos and charges.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

HSI also encourages the public to report suspected sex trafficking or 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 United States and Canada, callers should dial (802) 872-6199. Hearing impaired users may call TTY (802) 872-6196.

HSI takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, rescue and stabilize victims. HSI works in partnership with NCMEC, ICAC partners, and other federal, state and local agencies to help solve cases and rescue sexually exploited children. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to NCMEC’s toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST. HSI is a founding member of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.

One of HSI’s top priorities is to protect the public from crimes of victimization, and HSI’s child exploitation investigations program is a central component of this mission set. HSI is recognized as a global leader in this investigative discipline, and is committed to utilizing its vast authorities, international footprint and strong government and non-government partnerships to identify and rescue child victims, identify and apprehend offenders, prevent transnational child sexual abuse, and help make the internet a safer place for children.

Homeland Security Investigations (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.