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A Team Of Retired Detectives And Navy Seals Is Saving Teens From Trafficking

The fact that human trafficking still exists in the world — and, in many areas, is thriving — is a sad reality to come to grips with. It's estimated that nearly 25 million people worldwide are the victims of human trafficking.

But despite these grim facts, various groups have made it their mission to end human trafficking. Here's the story of one remarkable organization.

This group is known as Saved in America.

Saved in America

What makes them unique is the fact that this volunteer team consists of retired U.S. Navy SEALs, police officers and other law enforcement personnel. With their experience in keeping a cool head in high-stress situations, Saved in America is uniquely positioned to help curb the human trafficking epidemic.

Saved in America gets results.

Saved in America

You don't need to look any further than this story from January 2018. The group helped locate and rescue a 16-year-old girl who had been abducted by a human trafficking ring in California. They're able to work quickly and effectively through donations from supporters.

It's hardly the only rescue they've made.

Saved in America

Navy SEALs know a few things about effective operations and police officers certainly know how to investigate a case, so it isn't too suprising that they've assisted in 137 recoveries since 2014, which works out to about two per month on average. Considering how much work goes into each rescue, it's an impressive statistic.

The work doesn't stop once a victim is rescued.

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Even once the immediate danger is neutralized, it can be a long road to recovery for traumatized victims. Saved in America has made it part of their mission to help people find proper legal representation, safe housing and rehabilitation to help them get re-acclimatized to day-to-day life.

The group is based in San Diego, California.

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Sitting right on the international border with Mexico, San Diego is one of several hot spots for human trafficking in the United States. The bulk of the group's rescues happen in San Diego County along with other parts of California. Other people have been rescued in various southern states ranging from New Mexico to Louisiana to Florida.

The group's track record speaks for itself.

Facebook | Saved in America

While it isn't in itself a law enforcement organization, Saved in America's good work has led several groups, from the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center to the National Association for Missing and Exploited Children, to partner up in an effort to end human trafficking.

The media has taken notice, too.

Facebook | Saved in America

Saved in America hasn't really been around for that long — they recorded their first recovery in 2014 — but they've been so effective that various media outlets from the United States and abroad have produced stories about the tireless work performed by these volunteers.

The words of rescued victims' families say it all.

Facebook | Saved in America

"My wife and I appreciate the over 300 hours of service that [Saved in America] donated to us," wrote one anonymous parent. "You stepped up to the plate when we were in desperate need of searching for our missing 16 year old daughter."

Law enforcement personnel also appreciate the help.

Saved in America

Sheriff Mike Williams of Jacksonville, Florida, wrote, "It is partnerships such as this that play a significant role in law enforcement today." A sheriff in Santa Barbara County, California, went as far as saying that the group's work in safely recovering a teen girl couldn't have been done so efficiently if there wasn't great cooperation.

Human trafficking is a real problem. We're lucky to have groups like this.

Facebook | Saved in America

If you want to read more, you can head over to Saved in America's Facebook page or their official site. The group also operates a tip hotline, where anyone who has information or needs help regarding a potential trafficking victim can call for assistance. That number is (760) 348-8808.