Attorney General Lynn Fitch recently announced the successful culmination of Operation Guardian Force, a comprehensive, two-week statewide law enforcement initiative designed to combat serious crimes across the state. This significant undertaking, spearheaded by the Attorney General’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force, Fentanyl Strike Force, and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, represents a focused commitment to public safety and justice.

The impact of this robust law enforcement operation was immediate and substantial. Operation Guardian Force resulted in a remarkable 72 arrests, targeting individuals involved in human trafficking, fentanyl distribution, and other predatory offenses. Crucially, the operation also led to the recovery and safeguarding of 29 human trafficking victims, providing them with a critical pathway toward healing and support.

Attorney General Fitch emphasized her unwavering dedication to these critical issues, stating, “My office is committed to taking criminals who traffic people and drugs off the streets and equally committed to setting victims on the road to recovery.” Her statement underscores the dual objective of the operation: aggressive prosecution of offenders and compassionate care for those exploited by these illicit activities.

The success of Operation Guardian Force was a testament to extraordinary collaboration. Attorney General Fitch expressed profound pride in the dedicated investigators and prosecutors from her office, as well as the invaluable partnerships forged with numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. This collective effort is vital for the continuous work of protecting communities.

A key aspect of the operation involved high-level observation from the Trump Administration, signaling a shared priority in eradicating human trafficking and addressing the fentanyl crisis. Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison with the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was present to witness firsthand the intensive investigative operations.

Assistant Secretary Gradison underscored the administration’s commitment to collaborative efforts, remarking, “The Trump Administration will partner with anyone who will join us in the fight against human trafficking.” He commended Attorney General Fitch’s exemplary leadership and Mississippi’s effective coordination between law enforcement and victim services, highlighting the direct impact on saving lives.

Operation Guardian Force, which ran from July 14-19, meticulously coordinated the efforts of approximately 400 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. These coordinated actions included executing search warrants, conducting arrests based on intelligence, and immediately providing critical services to recovered victims, ensuring a holistic approach to intervention.

Beyond the primary focus on human trafficking and fentanyl, the statewide effort also incorporated a diligent sex offender compliance check. This crucial component aimed to locate and identify individuals who had absconded from sex offender registries, further enhancing community safety and accountability.

The comprehensive nature of Operation Guardian Force highlights a significant stride in addressing complex criminal networks that threaten the well-being of communities. The Attorney General’s continued focus on these pressing issues, bolstered by strong inter-agency cooperation, remains paramount in upholding criminal justice and ensuring public safety for all citizens.