Six teenage girls were recently rescued from human tra****ing operations in Portland. The Portland Police Human Tra****ing Unit, alongside officers from the East Precinct, conducted missions in Northeast Portland, recovering the minors, who range from 13 to 17 years old.

This event is just one instance of a disturbing trend. There's been a noticeable increase in human tra****ing cases in the Portland metro area, particularly involving minors. The area around 82nd Avenue is identified as a hotspot for such activities.

Critics of current policies argue that this surge in tra****ing is a direct result of liberal policies and movements to reduce police presence. Portland has a reputation as a low-risk, high-reward area for tra****ers because of this perceived lack of enforcement.

“"On the blade, the word on the street is that there’s a lot of activity, a lot of money to be made, therefore a large demand in the Portland area," said Ester Garrett, CEO of Safety Compass.”

Portland's approach might be contributing to a dangerous environment where tra****ers operate with relative impunity. The city needs to rethink its strategies and possibly increase police presence to curb this alarming trend.

The city must address these issues head-on, as relying solely on nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups isn't enough. It's time for Portland to reassess its priorities and ensure that reducing crime and protecting its citizens are at the forefront.