#173 Jared Hudson - The War Against Our Children and Invisible Battlefield
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson shares his experience combating human trafficking. Hudson, founder of the Covenant Rescue Group non-profit, provides an unflinching look at the realities of child exploitation—from the insidious tactics traffickers employ to lure and groom minors, to the devastating abuse that often occurs at the hands of family members.
He details his organization's efforts, including partnering with law enforcement through tactical training to meticulously build felony cases against traffickers. Hudson also underscores the importance of preventative measures like vigilant digital monitoring, strong role models, and community engagement to protect children from this harrowing form of exploitation.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 19, 2025 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
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1-Page Summary
Jared Hudson's Background and Experience
Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL sniper combat veteran with deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, has had a distinguished career in military and law enforcement. After serving as a sheriff's deputy and with federal agencies like Homeland Security, Hudson transitioned into anti-human trafficking work spurred by his Christian faith. He credits his belief in Jesus Christ for overcoming challenges like medical issues that led him to leave the SEAL teams.
Covenant Rescue Group's Anti-Trafficking Efforts
Hudson founded the Covenant Rescue Group non-profit with his wife to combat child exploitation. Initially focused overseas, COVID-19 prompted a domestic shift. CRG's model provides free tactical training to law enforcement through Hudson's Shooting Institute in exchange for partnerships targeting traffickers. By meticulously building felony cases without needing victim testimony and analyzing device data, CRG aims for successful prosecutions.
Human Trafficking Dynamics
Hudson paints a sobering picture: 37% of child victims are abused by family members. Traffickers often exploit and groom minors by appearing as trusted figures like coaches. Victims don't report due to fear, shame, and lack of understanding their situation is abusive. Traffickers maintain an "upstanding" facade and have links to drug dealing. Hudson describes finding a toddler serially abused by her father.
Preventing Trafficking
To protect children, Hudson urges vigilant digital monitoring, as traffickers exploit platforms to lure and extort victims. Fathers/male guardians act as deterrents to predators. He encourages "threatening" traffickers through preparedness. While not stated explicitly, Hudson implies educating communities and supporting law enforcement are key prevention strategies alongside CRG partnerships.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Jared Hudson's transition into anti-human trafficking work spurred by his Christian faith signifies that his religious beliefs played a significant role in motivating him to combat human trafficking. This connection suggests that his faith serves as a guiding principle in his efforts to address this social issue. Faith-based motivations can often drive individuals to engage in charitable or humanitarian work aligned with their religious values. Hudson's Christian faith may have influenced his perspective on justice, compassion, and the importance of helping those in need.
- The Covenant Rescue Group, founded by Jared Hudson, offers free tactical training to law enforcement agencies through the Shooting Institute. In return for this training, law enforcement partners with CRG to target human traffickers effectively. This partnership aims to enhance law enforcement's capabilities in combating trafficking by providing specialized training and fostering collaboration between CRG and law enforcement agencies. The model emphasizes the importance of equipping law enforcement with the necessary skills and resources to combat human trafficking more efficiently.
- Building felony cases without needing victim testimony involves gathering evidence through methods other than direct statements from victims, such as analyzing digital devices, surveillance footage, financial records, and other forms of data to establish a strong legal case against the perpetrators. This approach is particularly crucial in cases where victims may be unable or unwilling to testify due to fear, trauma, or other reasons. By relying on various forms of evidence, law enforcement and prosecutors can work towards successful prosecutions even without the direct involvement of the victims in court. This method helps address challenges in cases of human trafficking where victims may face significant barriers to coming forward or participating in legal proceedings.
- Vigilant digital monitoring involves closely supervising a child's online activities to prevent them from being targeted by traffickers who often use the internet to lure victims. This monitoring can include tracking the websites they visit, the people they interact with online, and being aware of any suspicious behavior or communication. Parents and guardians can use parental control tools, set privacy settings, and have open conversations with children about online safety to help protect them from potential dangers. Regularly checking a child's devices and online accounts can also help identify any red flags or signs of grooming by traffickers.
- Educating communities involves raising awareness about human trafficking, its signs, and how to report suspicious activities. This can empower individuals to recognize and prevent trafficking in their surroundings. Supporting law enforcement includes providing resources, training, and cooperation to enhance their ability to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases effectively. Collaboration between the community and law enforcement is crucial in combating human trafficking and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.
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Jared Hudson's Background and Journey
Jared Hudson's background encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences ranging from elite military service to law enforcement, all framed by his strong Christian faith and family values.
Jared Hudson's Diverse Law Enforcement and Military Experience
Jared Hudson is a formidable presence with a diverse background in military and law enforcement realms. His distinguished career is marked by a steadfast dedication to service in various high-stakes environments.
Navy Seal Sniper, Combat-Trained
Former Navy Seal, Hudson pursued his calling to the military following a transformative encounter in Africa that ignited his desire to intervene in violent situations. This inspiration, coupled with a call to serve from God, led him to become a part of the esteemed Naval Special Warfare community. Although not coming from a strongly military family, Hudson embarked on a journey that would place him in the heart of conflicts such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
His path to becoming a SEAL was marked by hurdles, including a serious calf muscle injury during Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. Nevertheless, he persevered, completing his training and joining SEAL Team Three. Recognized for his aptitude in marksmanship, Hudson was channeled into sniper training, fulfilling what he felt was his natural calling, evidenced by his ability to meld his childhood skills with his military training.
His sniper training entailed intensive phases that honed his skills in surveillance and long-range precision firing. His expertise with various rifles such as the .300 Winchester Magnum and the 7.62 SCAR-H became crucial in numerous combat scenarios. With confirmed kills at significant ranges, Hudson justified these actions as necessary to protect his team from danger. His role as a sniper was not just about marksmanship; it also involved complex surveillance and communication duties, vital for the success of the missions.
In his varied military career, Hudson also experienced deployments and rotations in locations around the globe, including Korea and Yemen, and even counter-piracy operations. His tenure in the SEAL teams was marked by the camaraderie and loss, with the Extortion 17 incident being a significant moment of grief for him and his teammates.
Law Enforcement Officer in Various Agencies, Including Federal Roles
After leaving the SEAL teams in 2013, Hudson transitioned to a career in law enforcement, serving as a sheriff's deputy and engaging in federal tasks with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). He also supported special operations units and worked as an investigator. Hudson holds numerous advanced law enforcement certifications, reflecting his continued commitment to service and protection.
Jared Hudson: Faith, Family, and Civilian Transition
As his career in the SEALs wound down, Hudson's personal journey took several turns that would test his resilience and faith.
Christian, Prioritizes Role as Husband and Father
At his core, Hudson is a devout Christian who views his faith as th ...
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Jared Hudson's Background and Journey
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Clarifications
- Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training is a rigorous selection process for candidates aspiring to become Navy SEALs. It is known for its intense physical and mental challenges, designed to test candidates' endurance, resilience, and teamwork skills. BUD/S includes phases like physical conditioning, diving, land warfare training, and other specialized skills essential for SEAL operations. Successful completion of BUD/S is a significant milestone for individuals aiming to join the elite Naval Special Warfare community.
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is a critical investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). HSI is responsible for a wide range of investigative programs, including those related to immigration enforcement, human trafficking, drug smuggling, cybercrime, and financial crimes. HSI agents have federal authority to enforce a diverse set of laws and regulations, working both domestically and internationally to combat various forms of criminal activity. The agency plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation's borders and protecting against threat ...
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Covenant Rescue Group's Approach To Combating Human Trafficking
Jared Hudson runs Covenant Rescue Group, a non-profit organization that he founded with his wife to support law enforcement agencies in the fight against human trafficking. This dedicated group highlights the need for tactical training and prosecutorial cooperation to ensure the successful apprehension and conviction of traffickers.
Covenant Rescue Group's Origins and Mission
Jared Hudson and his wife were moved by their passion for helping children victimized by human trafficking, which led to the establishment of the Covenant Rescue Group. Their experiences with other organizations and Hudson's background in law enforcement informed the founding of the 501(c)(3) organization. The organization initially focused on overseas operations due to ease of obtaining results, but shifted towards domestic efforts due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Founded by Jared and His Wife to Support Anti-Human Trafficking Organizations
Jared Hudson, a veteran of law enforcement, saw the devastating impact of human trafficking first-hand. Together with his wife, they founded the Covenant Rescue Group in 2018, later becoming an official nonprofit in 2019. The couple started their efforts after a positive response from the community who supported their cause.
Focus Shifted To Domestic Operations Due to Travel Restrictions
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, Covenant Rescue Group could no longer operate overseas. Hudson, aware of law enforcement's typical resistance to external help, decided to pivot to domestic operations. In doing so, they started forming partnerships with local law enforcement, fostering a significant impact on anti-trafficking efforts within the United States.
Covenant Rescue Group's Partnership Model With Law Enforcement
To gain the cooperation of law enforcement agencies, Covenant Rescue Group offers free tactical training through Hudson's Shooting Institute. They established a funding platform that enabled training law enforcement on how to target predators in their communities.
Provides Free Tactical Training To Law Enforcement Agencies
Under Covenant Rescue Group, Jared Hudson offers free tactical training to law enforcement personnel, covering pistol training, Close Quarters Battle, and child exploitation. These trainings are funded by the non-profit and serve as a foundation for a working relationship with the agencies.
Collaborates With Agencies to Target Traffickers
The group provides a template for operations, which law enforcement agencies customize to fit their jurisdiction for successful prosecutions. Through partnerships with figures like Sheriff Eric Blankenship and cooperation with both arresting officers and district attorneys, Covenant Rescue Group ensures a cohesive approach to tackling human trafficking.
Covenant Rescue Group's Investigative Tactics and Prosecution Focus
Covenant Rescue Group builds cases that aim for felony arrests without the need ...
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Covenant Rescue Group's Approach To Combating Human Trafficking
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A 501(c)(3) organization is a type of nonprofit in the U.S. that is exempt from federal income tax. These organizations are dedicated to charitable, educational, religious, scientific, or literary purposes. Donors to 501(c)(3) organizations may be eligible for tax deductions. Loss of 501(c)(3) status can be detrimental to a charity's operations.
- Close Quarters Battle (CQB) is a combat situation that involves fighting at very close range, often within confined spaces. It typically includes intense and rapid confrontations between combatants using firearms or melee weapons. CQB is a critical skill for military units and law enforcement in scenarios where engagements occur in tight quarters. The tactics and techniques used in CQB are designed to swiftly neutralize threats in close proximity.
- Decoy-based operations involve using undercover tactics to create scenarios that lure criminals into revealing their illegal activities. These operations often use bait or decoys to attract criminals and gather evidence for prosecution. Law enforcement agencies employ decoy operations to catch offenders in the act and build strong cases against them. The goal is to gather incriminating evidence that can lead to successful arrests and convictions.
- "Probable cause felony arrests" indicate the legal standard required for law enforcement to make an arrest for a felony offense. It means there must be enough evidence for a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been committed and the person being arrested is the one who committed it. This standard is crucial in ensuring that arrests are based on solid grounds and can lead to successful prosecutions in court. Covenant Rescue ...
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Human Trafficking and Minor Exploitation Dynamics and Prevalence
The podcast segment with Jared Hudson offers a sobering look into the dark world of human trafficking and minor exploitation, highlighting the complex relationships between victims and abusers, and the vast scope of this criminal problem.
The Complex Nature of Human Trafficking Victims
Minors Abused by Trusted Family Members
Jared Hudson describes situations where children are sold or abused by their parents or other family members. He shares that 37% of children who are abused are victimized by family members like uncles, cousins, fathers, or mothers, and 50% of the time, the abuser is a known person, such as a coach or a teacher. In one harrowing case, Hudson found a little girl who was sexually abused by her father beginning when she was just 18 months old. This abuse by trusted guardians is tragically common and can have lifelong impacts on victims.
Children may view their abuser as a guardian, and some may not even recognize the abuse due to a lack of understanding. Hudson discusses a runaway young lady sexually abused by her stepfather, and physically abused by her father and brother, indicating that children who are exploited sometimes trust the person who is exploiting them.
Victims Don't Report Abuse Due to Fear, Shame, or Lack of Understanding
Victims often do not identify themselves as such, sometimes taking up to seven contacts with an outreach worker before a woman acknowledges she needs help. Some women are almost offended at the suggestion they require assistance. Hudson further notes that fear may prevent victims from testifying against their accused, creating legal challenges. This fear is echoed in the story of a young lady unwilling to testify out of fear that her abuser would retaliate.
Hudson explains that victims, especially minors, might not report abuse because it is all they know; they may not understand that their situation is not normal or acceptable. Cases might not get reported due to various factors, including fear, shame, or lack of understanding of the abuse. In one example, a woman was afraid to approach the police because she was an undocumented immigrant and feared deportation.
The Significant Scope of the Human Trafficking Problem
High Victim-To-Trafficker Ratio
Hudson indicates that minors are focused on operations to establish felony charges reflecting a high victim-to-trafficker ratio. This is supported by statistics from the DOJ and the American Psychiatric Association that for every male-to-female perpetrator encounter, there are 50 victims before prosecution; this number increases to 150 for same-sex or primarily male victims.
Traffickers Fit "Upstanding Citizens" Profile to Avoid Detection
Traffickers may appear as "upstanding citizens," serving roles like doctors, pastors, and coaches, which helps them avoid detection. About 80% of perpetrators fit this profile, and ...
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Human Trafficking and Minor Exploitation Dynamics and Prevalence
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Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the signs of grooming and abuse to better recognize and report suspicious behavior. Start by reading materials from credible organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or attending webinars on child safety. This knowledge will help you spot red flags in interactions between adults and children in your community, such as an adult showing favoritism or giving gifts to a child for no apparent reason.
- Develop a habit of having open conversations with children in your life about boundaries and trust. Use age-appropriate language to discuss what is considered private, how to say no, and the importance of telling a trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable. For example, during family time, you could introduce a "What If" game where you pose hypothetical situations and discuss the best actions to take, thereby empowering children to recognize and report abuse.
- Vol ...
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Advice For Preventing Trafficking
Jared Hudson emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in protecting children from the risks of trafficking, disbursing advice for parents and community members to enhance digital safety and build a protective environment.
Importance of Digital Safety and Online Monitoring
Vigilantly Monitor Children's Phone and Social Media Use
Hudson underscores the crucial role parents play in monitoring their children's cell phone and social media activity. He compares giving a child access to a phone to giving them access to the world—and the world access to them. Hudson insists that parents must stay actively involved in overseeing their children's digital interactions to shield them from potential dangers.
Traffickers Target and Exploit Children Through Digital Platforms
Further delving into the risks associated with digital technology, Hudson highlights the shift in how traffickers and prostitution operations use digital apps and phones. He notes that digital platforms have now become conduits for exploitation, with traffickers leveraging social media and gaming platforms not only to abduct children but also for "sextortion" by threatening to share inappropriate photos in exchange for money. He emphasizes the subtle yet dangerous tactics traffickers employ to lure children out of their homes by winning their hearts and minds through digital means.
Building a Protective Environment For Children
Fathers and Father Figures Deter Predators
Hudson conveys that the presence of fathers or father figures in a child's life acts as a deterrent to predators. He shares insights from a predator's confession about assessing the potential threat posed by a child's father before making them a target. Hudson encourages fathers to be perceived as "threats" to potential abusers by being actively protective of their children.
Parents Must "Threaten" Traffickers to Protect Children
While the podcast content does not explicitly address this topic, Hudson's advice for parents to be a protective presence implies that parents should project an attitude of vigi ...
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Advice For Preventing Trafficking
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Counterarguments
- Monitoring children's digital use might infringe on their privacy and trust, potentially damaging parent-child relationships.
- Over-surveillance can lead to a false sense of security, as children might find ways to circumvent parental controls or use devices unsupervised elsewhere.
- The emphasis on fathers or father figures might undervalue the role of mothers or other guardians in a child's life and their ability to protect and deter predators.
- Projecting an attitude of vigilance could lead to a culture of fear and paranoia, which might not be conducive to a child's healthy social development.
- Public education on human trafficking is impo ...
Actionables
- You can create a digital safety plan with your children that includes regular check-ins about their online activities. Explain the importance of privacy settings and the risks of sharing personal information. Set up a shared document where they can report any suspicious interactions or concerns, and schedule weekly discussions to review it together.
- Develop a family code word that only you and your children know, which can be used to signal distress or the need for immediate help when they're online or out in public. Teach them to use this code word in situations where they feel unsafe or if someone is trying to coerce them, ensuring they know it's a sign to seek help from a trusted adult.
- Volunteer to give a short presentation at your local school or community c ...
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