Under the neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip, as the engines roared to life at the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, a more somber mission unfolded parallel to the high-octane spectacle. A coordinated search-and-rescue operation spearheaded by F.R.E.E. International, a dedicated organization in the fight against human trafficking, culminated in the discovery of 14 missing children amidst the throngs of race enthusiasts.
F.R.E.E. International, established in 2007 by Michael and Denise Bartel after their work with Project Rescue in Southern Asia, habitually casts a watchful eye over the city’s major events. “We live in a city where there are a lot of predators in it,” Michael Bartel remarked, emphasizing the gravity of their work in a metropolis notorious for its vices.
The rescue mission was a collaborative effort, combining the vigilance of F.R.E.E. International with the expertise of the Clark County School District Police and private security firms. They share the conviction that events drawing large crowds can unfortunately raise the odds of juvenile sex trafficking.
Lieutenant Bryan Zink of the CCSDPD affirmed the heightened risk, “When there are large events like this in our city, unfortunately, the likelihood of juveniles being sex-trafficked can go up.”
As the dust settled on the racecourse and the race fans dispersed, the pressing question remained: what became of the rescued children? Though specifics remained few, it was acknowledged that F.R.E.E. International was engaging with the families of the returned children, offering support and the comfort of a holiday meal.
This effort, set against a contrasting backdrop of academic scrutiny, recalls a 2019 study from “The Journal of Experimental Criminology.” This research examined the 2018 F1 Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, and found no significant statistical increase in crimes, including sex trafficking, associated with the event.
Looking ahead, the determined non-profit plans to reconvene their activities in February, parallel to the anticipated Super Bowl LVIII at the Allegiant Stadium. They remain steadfast in their commitment to the safety of the city’s vulnerable youth, a reminder to all that vigilance is a cornerstone of community welfare.
For those who endure the nightmare of a missing child, immediate contact with law enforcement is the most critical step. F.R.E.E. International stands as a beacon of hope, echoing the call for swift action in the face of such distressing circumstances.
