Brooklyn Center police announced Wednesday that a multi-agency hotel operation identified several trafficking victims and led to dozens of arrests as the investigation continues.
The Brooklyn Center Police Department said the operation targeted four hotels in the city on Sept. 9: Travelodge, Super 8, Baymont and Suburban Studios.
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During the operation, law enforcement officers identified 17 girls and women as victims of human trafficking. Authorities connected them with resources and assistance.
“Behind that number are 17 individual people who have experienced exploitation and now have access to support and an opportunity for something different,” Brooklyn Center Police Chief Garett Flesland said.
Police said the operation followed about a year of investigative work involving suspected human trafficking, narcotics distribution, firearms offenses and related criminal activity.
The department said its latest count included:
28 people arrestedSeven firearms recoveredA “significant quantity” of suspected controlled substances$43,494 in cash seized
Officials said evidence processing, interviews and case development remained ongoing, and totals could change as additional information is verified. Police also said additional trafficking victims could be identified as the investigation progresses.
Police said the operation’s primary focus was the Travelodge and Super 8. From Jan. 1, 2025, through Aug. 27, 2026, the two hotels generated:
2,275 calls for service104 reported overdoses, accounting for about 24% of the city’s reported overdoses during that period
Meanwhile, city staff provided assistance to more than 37 displaced occupants of the Travelodge and Super 8 between Sept. 9 and Sept. 11.
For Related Stories: Brooklyn Center Brooklyn Center Police Department Human Trafficking