HSI San Juan’s iGuardians present at Yauco Occupational and Technical High School
YAUCO, Puerto Rico — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan visited Yauco Occupational and Technical High School for a Prevention and Social Impact Event to share a Project iGuardian presentation in collaboration with local agencies. Project iGuardian is a leader in the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Over 1,000 students, teachers and school staff received valuable information on cyberbullying, child exploitation and the transfer of sexually explicit images. This event was organized by the school’s personnel and the HSI Ponce regional office.
Special Agent Alek Pacheco, who supervises HSI San Juan's human exploitation group, gave the Project iGuardian presentation. He explained the dangers of browsing online and shared how predators sometimes hide behind fake profiles to stalk their victims. He also warned students about the risks of digital apps that share users’ locations and how those apps make it easier for predators to reach victims, and described the various forms of sextortion, which happens when predators threaten victims to get them to send sexually explicit images or money.
“Our agents are dedicated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you. The only way we can help is if you report it. This call is for victims, but also for parents, teachers and school counselors to be on the lookout for possible red flags. Our Victim Assistance Program will facilitate the process with the proper protocol to help them,” said HSI San Juan Deputy Special Agent in Charge Yariel Ramos, stressing the importance of reporting possible child sexual abuse.
Sergeant Levi Rivera of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau gave an interactive presentation titled “Juventud Voluntad Firme.” During the motivational talk, he shared his testimony of life and used renowned people who managed to fulfill their dreams as examples of perseverance. “Do not allow anyone to truncate your future; stand firm and with the help of your parents, mentors and friends. You will make it,” Rivera said.
The HSI San Juan Command Center number is 787-729-6969. For more information on HSI's mission against child exploitation and Project iGuardian, visit iGuardians: Combating Child Predators.
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