Known as the United States Navy, Sea, Air, and Land Teams, the Navy SEALs are a specialized force of military operatives who are a vital part of Naval Special Warfare Command. They are an elite group who are skilled to navigate maritime, arctic, urban, desert, and mountainous environments skillfully. They are often tasked with information gathering behind enemy lines and are known to be virtually invisible due to how quickly they move, and stealthily they operate. Thankfully, these highly skilled individuals post-retirement now make up many of the professional volunteers who play a vital role in Saved in America’s rescue efforts. 

Sex Trafficking Happens Here

While many people might assume that human trafficking or child sex trafficking only occurs in other countries, perhaps in poor areas like Africa, Nepal, or India, this industry is alive and thriving even in our own beloved United States of America. In fact, the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children received upwards of 8.2 million reports in 2016, while the same year had 7,621 cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. It’s worth noting that California was the state with the highest human trafficking cases in the nation, with New York, Florida, Ohio, and Texas following. 

Heroes Taking Action

The former military and law enforcement specialists who make up Saved in America’s volunteers are now utilizing their specialized skills to help find missing and exploited children before they become victims of the human trafficking industry. Many times these kids run away after being groomed or coerced by the human trafficking predators who are highly skilled at manipulating and trapping kids in the industry. The formidable skills that former Navy SEALs possess are immensely valuable when it comes to tracking down these kids and getting them out of a nightmarish situation. 

Why Law Enforcement Needs Their Help

Law enforcement organizations throughout America are overwhelmed with the sheer scope of the human trafficking problem. They are understaffed and often work with limited equipment when it comes to the necessary tech it takes to perform an effective investigation. That’s to say nothing of the time commitment it takes for an already overworked and understaffed group of professionals. That is why having the Navy SEALs and other former specialists working alongside police forces and the kids' families to find kids is so valuable and necessary.