Bloomington, Minnesota — Sixteen men, including an employee of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), were arrested in an undercover operation targeting individuals attempting to solicit sex from a minor, Bloomington police announced.
Police Chief Booker Hodges held a press conference displaying the mugshots of all 16 suspects, who range in age from 18 to 52. According to investigators, each of the men believed they were arranging to meet a 17-year-old girl for sex.
One of the arrestees identified himself as an ICE employee who works as an auditor. Police say that during his arrest he reportedly told officers, “I’m ICE, boys.” Authorities stated that his employment was verified after the sting.
The arrests were part of a sex-trafficking prevention operation aimed at stopping adults from exploiting minors. “For the life of me, I don’t understand why people want to come here and do this,” Chief Hodges said. Calling out the group publicly, he added, “There’s a song by Radiohead, ‘I’m a Creep’ — every single one of these guys that did this is a creep.”
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, all 16 suspects now face charges related to attempting to solicit a minor for sex. Additional federal reviews are underway due to the involvement of a federal employee.
Police said the operation was designed to deter predators and protect vulnerable youth in the region. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with information tied to similar activity to contact the Bloomington Police Department.
More details, including potential federal charges, are expected as the case proceeds.
