https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/11/18/twin-cities-ice-employee-among-16-arrested-in-child-sex-trafficking-sting

A Twin Cities-based employee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is among 16 men arrested on suspicion of soliciting a minor following a sting operation by police in suburban Minneapolis.

Alexander Steven Back, 41, is among four people charged so far with trying to pay a 17-year-old girl for sex. Back could also face federal charges, Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said at a news conference on Tuesday.

Authorities said that they’ve submitted evidence against the other 12 men to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for possible charges.

According to the criminal complaint filed Friday in Hennepin County, Back, of Robbinsdale, responded to a fake online advertisement “offering prostitution services.”

In a text message to Back on Nov. 13, an undercover officer posing as a 17-year-old girl named Bella wrote “U ok if I’m a lil younger than my ad says … just wanna be honest.”

“Sure,” Back allegedly replied.

“K cause I am 17 and one guy got hella mad at me,” the officer replied.