When someone working for the U.S. government is arrested in a sex trafficking sting—especially one involving a minor—the public deserves more than silence and vague statements. And yet, that’s what’s happening in Minnesota, where an ICE employee was among 16 men arrested in a sting targeting individuals seeking sex with a 17-year-old girl.

According to Bloomington Police, the ICE employee—a civilian auditor—identified himself during the arrest by saying, “I’m ICE, boys.” He’s now on administrative leave, but no one can say if this case will be handled behind closed doors, or if similar hires have slipped through the cracks before.

This is about more than one arrest. It’s about making sure that no one facing serious allegations involving child exploitation can continue to quietly collect a paycheck from taxpayers.

We’re calling on the Minnesota Legislature to act now:

• Pass a state-level ban preventing anyone arrested in child exploitation or trafficking stings from holding any government job—local, state, or federal—until the case is resolved.
• Urge federal agencies like ICE and DHS to publicly disclose investigative outcomes when employees are arrested in these types of stings, so there is accountability and transparency.

This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Protecting kids from exploitation and holding government employees to the highest standard should be something we all agree on. If Minnesota leads, other states and agencies will follow.

Tell lawmakers: Minnesotans demand zero tolerance for child exploitation—especially from those in positions of public trust.

Sign this petition and help hold government employees to the same standards expected of everyone else. No special treatment. No secrecy. Just accountability and safety for kids.

Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images