Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies from across Southwest Florida are partnering with two nonprofit organizations to help stop human trafficking and child sex exploitation.

Operation Light Shine is proudly supported by the Tim Tebow Foundation, which is part of the public-private partnership known as the Southwest Florida Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking (INTERCEPT) Task Force. Together, they are dedicated to combating trafficking and exploitation by offering financial, technical, and other resources.

Since the INTERCEPT partners began working together earlier this year they have arrested 25 individuals on charges relating to child exploitation, sex trafficking and prostitution. These investigations identified 37 victims, the youngest of whom was 2 years old.

Operation Light Shine is recognizing the urgent need to address the grave issue of child exploitation and human trafficking, Operation Light Shine has taken upon itself the responsibility to bridge the funding gap and bolster law enforcement efforts in their fight against this heinous crime. By securing additional resources and support, this organization plays a pivotal role in empowering law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts and protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.

Participating in the Southwest Florida INTERCEPT Task Force are: Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, State Attorney’s Office - 20th Judicial Circuit, Naples Police Department, Marco Island Police Department, Cape Coral Police Department, Fort Myers Police Department, Lee County Port Authority Police, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Department of Justice South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children.