Human Trafficking Unit Safely Recovers 6 Juveniles Engaged in Solicitation

The Portland Police Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) and East Precinct Officers safely recovered six teenage girls engaged in prostitution related activity on the 82^nd Avenue corridor, helping them with support and care to get away from their traffickers. This is a stunning number, significantly higher than the norm.

Since Wednesday April 15, 2026, HTU recovered the girls, aged 13 to 17 years old, during missions and enforcement activity along 82^nd Avenue.

The juveniles were transported to East Precinct, where they were connected with advocacy services through PPB Victim Services and Safety Compass. HTU also coordinated with the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) to facilitate reunification with out-of-state parents or placement into DHS care, as appropriate.

Through ongoing investigative efforts, HTU is actively working to build cases against potential traffickers and sex buyers. This effort demonstrates the effectiveness of interagency collaboration, directly addressing livability concerns in the area and reaffirming the Bureau's commitment to reducing exploitation and supporting victims.

While it is not unusual for HTU members to rescue providers from their traffickers, it is unusual to see so many children in this short a period. It's not clear whether this is a new trend or simply an anomaly.

HTU continues to utilize the partnership of PPB's Victim Services Unit and Safety Compass for street level outreach for provider contacts. Safety Compass is a non-profit organization that offers advocacy services to individuals under the age of 25 who identify as survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

HTU cases are complex with several identified barriers such as repeated traumatic exposures, trauma bonds with traffickers, and fear of retaliation. The survivors in these cases are often reluctant to come forward, make a report, and/or continue through the criminal justice process. HTU continues to offer trauma-informed, victim-centered services, in conjunction with PPB Victim Services Unit advocates and community-based partnerships like Safety Compass.

Human trafficking is a pervasive and deeply harmful crime that targets vulnerable individuals, often children, and subjects them to ongoing abuse and exploitation. It is fueled by demand and perpetuated by those who seek to profit from human suffering.

The Portland Police Bureau considers the identification and protection of trafficking victims a top priority. Through specialized units like HTU and close collaboration with MCDA and other partners, PPB is focused on proactive investigations, victim outreach, and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.

In May 2024, the Portland Police Bureau offered an episode of the Talking Beat features a discussion on the Human Trafficking Unit in Portland, emphasizing collaborative efforts to combat juvenile sex trafficking, support victims, and hold offenders accountable while prioritizing a victim-centered approach. You can listen to the podcast here.

You can subscribe to The Talking Beat Podcast here.

And in 2023, PPB debuted a video on the problem and devastating impacts of sex trafficking.

If you know or suspect someone is being trafficked, please call 911, PPB's non-emergency line 503-823-3333, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888. Non-emergency Portland related tips can also be reported to: [email protected].

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