Will County Men Among Human Trafficking Suspects
CHICAGO – The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted an anti-human trafficking operation in the Will County area resulting in six arrests.
Between October 25-26, 2023, the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Bureau led a human trafficking suppression operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors.
“ISP is increasing its efforts to protect those who are vulnerable to human trafficking, forced labor, and sexual servitude,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
“ISP conducted a similar operation in Springfield in which eight people in the Springfield area were arrested. Anyone who thinks about feeding the demand for human trafficking should know that ISP could be waiting behind a door for them with handcuffs.”
As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged:
– Enrique Aldaz Garcia (31) – Chicago, Illinois – Indecent Solicitation of a Minor, Traveling to Meet a Minor
– Mario Lucas Garcia (56) – Joliet, Illinois – Indecent Solicitation of a Minor, Traveling to Meet a Minor
– Carlos Mejia (27) – Chicago, Illinois – Indecent Solicitation of a Minor, Traveling to Meet a Minor
– Raymond Peterson (56) – Lockport, Illinois – Indecent Solicitation of a Minor, Traveling to Meet a Minor
– Ismael Zamora Ruiz (55) –Bolingbrook, Illinois – Indecent Solicitation of a Minor, Traveling to Meet a Minor
– Yousef Alkawaja Saad (63) – Lombard, Illinois – Indecent Solicitation of a Minor, Traveling to Meet a Minor
This operation was part of a multifaceted approach by ISP aimed at stopping human trafficking in Illinois. Also participating in the operation were Joliet Metro Area Narcotics, Will County Police Assistance Team, ISP Zone 1, ISP SWAT, Intelligence Support Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, and ISP Troop 3. The Will County States Attorney’s Office also provided support for the operation.
If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. For more information visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. You can also email [email protected].