DASO recovers nearly 200 individuals trafficked and held against their will

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- 188 people who were trafficked and held against their will have been recovered since May by deputies of the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department in conjunction with Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals and Border Patrol, according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

DASO has also turned over five traffickers to federal authorities.

The recoveries took place throughout the county.

DASO officials said their interest and effort in these cases depend not on a federal grant but close coordination with their federal partners.

If you are aware of a possible case of human trafficking, you can report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, available 24/7 at 1 (888) 373-7888 or text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733.