Bloomington police on Tuesday announced the arrest of 16 men who allegedly attempted to solicit minors for sex during a sting operation.
Police did not publicize any charges filed against the men, who were arrested between Nov. 5 and 14 and range in age from 18 to 52. Fourteen are from Minnesota, one from Maryland and another from Pennsylvania.
Those arrested include a civilian employee of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a Metro Transit bus driver, police said.
ICE and Metro Transit said their employees have been placed on administrative leave.
The operation involved undercover officers using “various communication methods” to engage with adults attempting to solicit sex from who they believed was a 17-year-old, according to a statement.
Bloomington police were assisted by police from Richfield, Eden Prairie, Roseville, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and officers from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Police said anyone in need of resources regarding human trafficking should contact the Family Partnership at 612-728-2080.
