Three human trafficking victims identified during operation in South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Three human trafficking victims are safe, a multi-agency operation was conducted last week at Four Winds Casino.

The FBI, Indiana State Police and Pokagon Band Tribal Police worked in conjunction to identify three victims using online platforms and meet up with the women at the casino on Sept. 10 and 11. The women were given health resources, but FBI Special Agent Tim O'Malley said he's concerned about their medical conditions:

"We're very concerned about their medication condition, the housing situation [and] nutritional situation," O'Malley says.

O'Malley added that the women are not part of a tribal community, but he's particularly concerned for illegal immigrants, as people desperate for work could become victims of human trafficking.

"I worry about the ones who don't find the jobs, who don't find the opportunities, who look for assistance from somebody that might not have their best intention in mind," O'Malley says.

"I think we may see more and more victims of human trafficking operations; where people out of just desperation are forced to do things they normally would not do."

O'Malley also added that while the operation was conducted at Four Winds Casino, "There is nothing particular about the casino hotel that makes it that much than other places."

Those who are victims of human trafficking or know someone who is a victim should reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline number at 1-888-373-7888, or text HELP or INFO to 233733.