‘Nearly a dozen’ arrested during overnight operation targeting prostitution at Washington truck stops

Multiple law enforcement agencies in Washington State partnered for an overnight operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking at truck stops, resulting “nearly a dozen” arrests, according to state police.

“Operation Human Freight” took place on the evening of November 25, 2025, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

Troopers say that the operation was spearheaded by WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Division (CVD) based on observed activity near truck stops in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties.

Law enforcement agencies established a base at a truck stop in northern Pierce County near the I-5 corridor and utilized undercover detectives to identify and assist individuals involved in human trafficking and prostitution.

“Within eight hours, officers contacted eleven women who were determined to be victims of prostitution and/or human trafficking. A 41 year old Tacoma man with 19 prior felony convictions was arrested and booked into the Pierce County Jail for human trafficking and promoting prostitution,” WSP said.

During Operation Human Freight, police arrested individuals for the following crimes:

• Trafficking 2nd degree
• Promoting prostitution 1st degree
• Promoting prostitution 2nd degree
• Driving under the influence

Agencies participating in the operation include:

• Washington State Patrol
• Fife Police Department
• Tacoma Police Department
• Lakewood Police Department
• Puyallup Police Department
• Seattle Police Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Homeland Security Investigations
• Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office
• Rebuilding Hope

“This operation demonstrates our determination to hold traffickers accountable and safeguard vulnerable members of our community,” said Chief John Batiste of the Washington State Patrol. “We will continue to work closely with our local, state, and federal partners to disrupt these criminal networks.”