BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Berrien County Sheriff's Office reports a joint human trafficking and sex trafficking enforcement operation between the Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department, Michigan City Police Department, and the Michigan State Police Southwest Enforcement Team, led to the arrests of 15 people.

The operation, which took place on Wednesday, focused on identifying traffickers and locating and assisting victims of trafficking.

The arrests were made for sex exploitation related crimes with one arrest for outstanding warrants.

Authorities say the operation is part of their ongoing initiative to combat human trafficking and provide access to victim-centered resources and support.

Anyone with information about suspected human trafficking activity is asked to contact law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or by texting “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733.

Reports can be made anonymously.