Polk County, Florida – A comprehensive six-day undercover operation in Polk County, Florida, culminated in 266 arrests and 439 total charges related to alleged prostitution, human trafficking, and child exploitation, including attempts to contact minors. The operation, led by the Polk County Sheriff's Office with significant assistance from local, state, and federal agencies, represents one of the region's largest coordinated enforcement efforts of its kind.
"We encountered 70 foreign-born nationals during this operation, so it speaks to the magnitude of what we’re seeing here." — Kelly Walker, Acting Field Office Director for ICE ERO Miami.
Among those arrested was Craig Long, identified by authorities as a "MAGA influencer" with a substantial online following and a fitness-related business in the Tampa area. Investigators stated Long was arrested on allegations tied to solicitation-related activity during the sting, according to reports from WTSP. His arrest was highlighted by Sheriff Grady Judd during a press briefing, who noted the contrast between public personas and the allegations uncovered.
The broad scope of the operation, which concluded on May 2, 2026, saw individuals from diverse backgrounds taken into custody. Charges ranged from lower-level prostitution-related offenses to serious felony allegations involving attempts to meet minors for sexual activity, with 19 suspects facing felony-level charges in such cases. The majority of arrests stemmed from solicitation and related offenses.
Law enforcement officials underscored that the arrested individuals represented a wide cross-section of society. This group included a participant in the January 6 Capitol breach and others with extensive prior criminal histories, collectively accounting for more than 1,000 previous charges.
Federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), provided critical support to local law enforcement partners. During the operation, officials encountered 70 foreign-born nationals, with 34 identified as being in the United States illegally. These individuals have been referred for immigration proceedings. Kelly Walker, Acting Field Office Director for ICE ERO Miami, commented on the situation, stating, "We encountered 70 foreign-born nationals during this operation, so it speaks to the magnitude of what we’re seeing here." Walker added that some of these individuals had "significant criminal histories" prior to this encounter and would be taken into ICE custody after full prosecution to face immigration judges and potential deportation.
The investigation employed sophisticated undercover tactics, including extensive online communications and arranged in-person encounters. Detectives were able to identify suspects and document alleged criminal intent before making arrests. This methodical approach allowed authorities to build cases against individuals engaged in various illicit activities.
Beyond the primary focus, the sting also uncovered additional criminal conduct, leading to arrests for narcotics offenses, theft-related crimes, and other unrelated violations. This reflects what officials described as the broad scope of enforcement activity during the operation, as reported by FOX 13.
A critical component of the operation involved collaboration with social service organizations. These groups worked alongside investigators to identify potential victims of human trafficking or exploitation. Several individuals encountered during the sting were screened for signs of coercion or exploitation, and those identified as possible trafficking victims were offered assistance and support.
Sheriff Judd affirmed that this operation is part of an ongoing commitment in Polk County to combat trafficking-related activities and protect vulnerable populations. He indicated that similar undercover stings are anticipated to continue as part of this broader strategy. It is important to note that all individuals named in this investigation remain subject to prosecution, and as of this report, none have been convicted of new charges directly related to this specific operation. The legal process for these 266 individuals is now underway.
