My First IJM Operation

You read about it, you hear about it on the news, you see it in movies, you think about it... but to actually be a part of it??? So surreal...

Last week I got to assist on my very first IJM operation. My heart started racing the moment I heard "Lindsay, there's going to be an operation tonight. Do you want to help?" DO I?!?!?! Of course! Sign me up! IJM had received information that a minor was being sexually exploited at a massage parlor. During the briefing, I learned that I would be helping out the aftercare team (IJM and DSWD social workers).

Basically, what was supposed to happen is as follows:

(1) undercover officers enter the establishment;

(2) after making a transaction for the minor, officers would enter the establishment and arrest the owners and/or 'mamasan' (like a manager); Side note: a "transaction" entails the exchange of money between the undercover officer and the manager or cashier for the purpose of sex. The reason a transaction is necessary during a sting operation is that the manager/cashier needs to be caught in the act of sexual exploiting a minor so that the officers can make a warrantless arrest;

(3) once the establishment was secure, the aftercare team (including me) would go in and get all women and girls working there that evening and take them out of the establishment;

(4) we would then transport the women and girls to a processing center where we would spend the night with them;

(5) IJM lawyers and social workers would take statements the following day;

(6) after that, any adult non-victims (i.e. voluntary sex workers) would be released and provided transportation while any minors and adult victims could take advantage of aftercare services (like shelters, medical care, counseling, education, vocational training, etc.). Note that IJM offers adult voluntary sex workers the opportunity to take advantage of the same aftercare services provided to minors and adult victims, but they cannot force them to use them. While IJM would encourage these women to take advantage of the services offered and explains their other options, the choice is theirs to make.

As I sat in the van with my heart racing, I just kept thinking "Is this actually happening?". How amazing is it that I get to actually be a part of this. For the past two years, I have been wanting to get involved in a tangible way... well, here's my chance! Unfortunately, due to some legal complications, the police weren't able to make any arrests. So the intended entrapment turned into a rescue operation and instead of pulling all the women and girls out, we were only able to remove the one confirmed minor. But still, that is one girl who will have a chance at a different life if she chooses to take advantage of it. Even though the operation didn't go quite according to plan, I was still thankful that I got to be a part of it and can't wait for our next operation!