PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Several local law enforcement agencies say recent sweeps along 27th Avenue north of Indian School Road were aimed at combating human trafficking, but advocates argue the arrests target victims of these crimes rather than suspects.

The stretch of 27th Avenue between Indian School and Bethany Home roads is known as the ”Blade,” and concerns from neighbors prompted what Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell calls “Operation New Beginnings.”

“It’s not just the human trafficking that’s occurring. It’s what goes with the human trafficking, so with that comes drugs, with that comes violence,” Mitchell said.

Recent arrest operations

Mitchell’s office partnered with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Phoenix Police, Grand Canyon University Police and other agenci

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