PORTLAND, Ore. (May. 7, 2026) — The Portland Police Bureau says six teenage girls between the ages of 13 and 17 were recovered during a series of human trafficking enforcement missions along Southeast 82nd Avenue, an unusually high number of juvenile victims identified within a short period of time.
According to police, members of the bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit, working alongside East Precinct officers, recovered the girls beginning April 15 during operations targeting prostitution-related activity along the corridor. Investigators said the juveniles were believed to be involved in commercial sexual exploitation and were connected with advocacy and support services after being brought to East Precinct.
Police said the girls were provided assistance through the bureau’s Victim Services Unit and the nonprofit organization Safety Compass, which offers advocacy services for people under 25 who identify as survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The Portland Police Bureau also coordinated with the Oregon Department of Human Services to help reunify some of the juveniles with out-of-state parents or arrange placement into protective care when necessary.
Authorities said investigators are continuing to build cases against suspected traffickers and individuals accused of purchasing sex from minors. Police described the effort as an example of interagency cooperation aimed at addressing exploitation and public safety concerns along the 82nd Avenue corridor.
While police say it is not uncommon for Human Trafficking Unit detectives to recover victims from traffickers, officials noted the number of children identified over such a brief period is unusual. Investigators said it remains unclear whether the cases reflect a growing trend or an isolated spike in activity.
The bureau said human trafficking investigations are often complicated by trauma, fear of retaliation, and emotional dependence between victims and traffickers, factors that can make survivors reluctant to cooperate with law enforcement or continue through the criminal justice process.
Police said the Human Trafficking Unit continues to use trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches in partnership with advocacy organizations and prosecutors. Officials described human trafficking as a pervasive crime that disproportionately targets vulnerable individuals, particularly children, for ongoing exploitation and abuse.
The Portland Police Bureau said identifying and protecting trafficking victims remains a top priority, adding that investigators will continue proactive enforcement and outreach efforts while working with community organizations and prosecutors to pursue those responsible for exploitation.
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