An Alaska State Trooper patrol vehicle is parked outside Jasmine Spa during a search. Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents assisted. (Alaska State Troopers)
BLAINE, Wash. — Local U.S. Border Patrol Blaine Sector personnel, including members assigned to Homeland Security Investigations task forces, assisted in a large-scale human trafficking investigation in Alaska that led to multiple arrests and the rescue of victims.
“On 04/15/2026, Blaine Border Patrol, AST, FBI, HSI, USCG, and APD conducted a joint operation in Anchorage targeting sex trafficking at massage parlors,” Chief Patrol Agent Rosario Vasquez said. “11 victims were rescued and 7 arrested.”
Blaine Sector agents worked alongside Alaska State Troopers, the FBI, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Anchorage Police Department.
Year-Long Investigation Leads to Arrests
Alaska State Troopers said investigators spent a year building the case. They uncovered businesses operating as fronts for organized criminal activity that exploited vulnerable individuals.
“The investigation developed after investigative leads indicated that several illicit massage businesses were operating as fronts for organized criminal activity involving the exploitation of vulnerable individuals,” Alaska Department of Public Safety Communications Director Austin McDaniel said. “Over several months, investigators developed evidence that led to the execution of the search warrants and arrests of seven individuals.”
Law enforcement executed search warrants at seven massage parlors spanning Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Officers also searched two homes in Anchorage.
Suspects and Charges
Authorities arrested seven individuals on sex trafficking charges. Prosecutors from the Alaska Department of Law’s Office of Special Prosecutions filed the charges. Officials said more charges may follow.
Victim Support Efforts
Investigators identified potential victims during the operation and connected those individuals with support services and resources. Government and nonprofit groups provided assistance. Officials emphasized their focus on protecting victims and holding offenders accountable.
Investigators Looking for More Victims and Information
Authorities stressed that all charges remain allegations. Courts must determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
“APD, AST, and FBI officials would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Army Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Coast Guard, Wasilla Police Department, and the Anchorage Airport Police Department for their assistance in the investigation and operation,” McDaniel said.
Anyone with information about human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
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