Press Release, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office:
BERRIEN COUNTY, MI — On October 22, 2025, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department, Michigan City Police Department, and the Michigan State Police Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET-West), conducted a targeted human trafficking and sex trafficking enforcement operation in Berrien County.
This multi-agency effort focused on identifying traffickers and locating and assisting victims of trafficking. During this operation, 15 arrests were made for sex exploitation related crimes and also one arrest for outstanding warrants were made as part of the ongoing initiative to combat human trafficking and provide immediate access to victim-centered resources and support.
The priority of these operations is not just to make arrests. It’s to identify victims, connect them with services, and send a clear message that trafficking will not be tolerated in our communities. Human trafficking happens in every community — including our own. These operations are as much about saving lives as they are about enforcing the law. Every person we reach represents an opportunity to intervene, support, and protect.
Law enforcement agencies across the region continue to coordinate operations and share intelligence to identify traffickers, disrupt their networks, and ensure that survivors receive access to advocacy and care services.
Victims of sex trafficking and human trafficking are encouraged to seek help and support. Services are available 24 hours a day and all reports remain confidential.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 (Text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733)
This operation represents a growing regional partnership between county, state, municipal, and tribal law enforcement agencies, working together to identify, disrupt, and deter human trafficking in all its forms. Local agencies are committed to working beyond jurisdictional boundaries to protect the most vulnerable. Every agency plays a role in ensuring that victims receive help and offenders face accountability.
Anyone with information related to suspected human trafficking activity is urged to contact law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Reports can be made anonymously.