43 alleged sexual predators arrested across Valley as part of undercover operation

PHOENIX – Federal and local authorities teamed up to make dozens of arrests as part of an undercover operation targeting alleged sexual predators in metro Phoenix, authorities said Friday.

Forty-three people were arrested as part of Operation Spring Fling, which focused on hotel and street prostitution, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced.

Almost all of the suspects were accused of soliciting sex acts. Some were booked on counts of child sex trafficking, drug possession and weapons misconduct.

Operation Spring Fling was a partnership involving Homeland Security Investigations, which is ICE’s main investigative arm, and the Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert and Surprise police departments.

The Arizona State University Police Department also participated.

Homeland Security Investigations encourages the public to report suspected sex trafficking by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (347-2423) or using the agency’s online tip form.

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