ICE Employee Among 16 Men Nabbed in Minnesota Sex Trafficking Sting

A federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement employee was arrested in a Minnesota sex trafficking sting. Alexander Steven Back, 41, was taken into custody earlier this month. The arrest was part of a multi-agency operation targeting individuals seeking sex with a minor.

The Bloomington Police Department led the three-day investigation. Authorities say Back responded to an online ad placed by an undercover officer. This arrest places a spotlight on conduct within a major federal agency.

Details of “Operation Creep” and Back’s Arrest

Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges detailed the sting, called “Operation Creep.” It ran from November 5th to 7th. The operation focused on men seeking to solicit a 17-year-old girl for sex.

An undercover officer posed as a teenager named “Bella.” According to a criminal complaint, Back was texted that the person was 17. He allegedly replied “Sure” and agreed to meet at a provided address.

Police arrested Back upon his arrival. Chief Hodges stated Back identified himself as “ICE” during the arrest. Sixteen men in total were arrested in the operation.

The suspects include a mix of public and private sector employees. Among them are a Metro Transit bus driver and a state pollution agency worker. Their ages range from 18 to 49 years old.

Back faces a felony charge for soliciting a minor. He was released from Hennepin County Jail on a $75,000 bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for mid-December.

Agency Response and Broader Implications

ICE leadership moved quickly to address the incident. A spokesperson for ICE St. Paul confirmed Back’s employment status. They noted he was hired in 2022 as an I-9 auditor, not a law enforcement officer.

The agency placed Back on administrative leave immediately after his arrest. ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility has opened an internal investigation. The agency says it is cooperating fully with local law enforcement.

This case could potentially be referred to federal prosecutors. The operation involved several assisting police departments. It highlights ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation at the local level.

The arrest of a federal employee in such a sting is notably uncommon. It raises questions about vetting and conduct within sensitive government roles. The case is likely to proceed carefully through the judicial system.

The arrest of an ICE employee in a child sex trafficking sting underscores that such crimes cross all professional boundaries. This Minnesota operation demonstrates continued vigilance against the exploitation of minors. The ICE employee case will be closely watched as both legal and internal proceedings advance.

Info at your fingertips

What was “Operation Creep”?

It was a three-day undercover sting in Bloomington, Minnesota. Police targeted individuals attempting to solicit sex from a person they believed was a 17-year-old. The operation led to 16 arrests.

What charge does Alexander Back face?

Back is charged with a felony for hiring or agreeing to hire a minor for sex. Minnesota law prohibits soliciting a person reasonably believed to be under 18. He was released on a $75,000 bond.

How did ICE respond to the arrest?

ICE confirmed Back was an I-9 auditor hired in 2022. The agency placed him on administrative leave immediately. An internal investigation is being conducted alongside the criminal case.

Were other public employees arrested?

Yes. Other suspects included a public transit bus driver and a state pollution control agency employee. The operation netted individuals from various professions across the Twin Cities area.

What did Back say when he was arrested?

According to Police Chief Booker Hodges, Back stated, “I’m ICE, boys,” upon his arrest. This identification did not prevent officers from taking him into custody based on the evidence.

Trusted Sources

Information in this report was gathered from official statements by the Bloomington Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. Additional context was provided by an ICE St. Paul spokesperson and court documents. National news outlets, including Newsweek, reported on the developing details.