Steven Tarrago’s life story is rooted in resilience and purpose. He has dedicated his career to law enforcement and his passion and purpose in life is to empowering others to recognize their value and connect to the strength that each one has inside of them. His intellect and ability to create and implement investigative strategies is only surpassed by his extraordinary capacity to inspire others through his words and actions. His strength and determination are balanced by his humble and gentle nature. We at the State Attorney’s Office are blessed to have him as our Deputy Commander of our SAO Human Trafficking Task Force.

Tarrago and his twin brother were born and raised in Miami. His parents came to the United States through Operation Peter Pan, escaping political turmoil in Cuba in the 1960’s. His father, a former political prisoner and sugar farmer from Oriente, and his mother, from an affluent Havana family, found a new beginning in Miami. “They came from two social classes and wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for them being here,” he says. “We lived in Liberty City’s “Pork and Beans” Housing Projects where we were the only Hispanic kids in the community. We used to hang out a lot in East Hialeah.”

Steven’s parents worked tirelessly, enrolling him in the Police Athletic League (PAL) program for at-risk youth which was run out of the then Metro Dade Police Department (now MDSO) at the Northside Station. Through boxing and martial arts, Steven discovered discipline, structure, and purpose. A mentor he met through PAL inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement—a decision that would shape his life and allow him to serve his community. “He really saved my life. The program gave me discipline, structure and
purpose.”

After attending Miami Edison and later graduating from Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School where he was a Police Explorer, Steven knew that he was destined for a future in public service.

In 1985, Tarrago applied to police departments but had a hard time getting hired due to the scrutiny Hispanics applicants faced after the Miami River Cops case. “So, I applied to be a State Corrections Officer and was hired to work at the Dade Correctional Facility. I worked my way up to Sergeant. One day an inmate told me that I was doing time just like him except that I was doing it in 12 hours at a time. That
really made me realize that I had to pursue my dream of being a police officer.” This comment made him think and take action.

He applied at the Miami Dade Schools Police Department (MDSPD). At that time there were only 35 police officers which were basically patrol units. As the department grew, so did Tarrago’s responsibilities and expertise. In 2005, he was awarded MDSPD’s highest honor, the Gold Medal of Valor, for performing an act of outstanding Bravery in the presence of extreme and life-threatening danger. Tarrago stopped and armed individual who was trying to enter an elementary school. “I started as an officer and then field trainer, internal affairs investigator, narcotics and child exploitation. I retired from there as a Commander after 32 years of service.”

Along the way he also pursued his passion for educating future law enforcement professionals as an Adjunct Professor at Miami Dade College’s School of Justice for over 30 years. He also founded a martial arts school and a non-profit mentorship program to empower youth and build character.

In March of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Tarrago’s plans to continue teaching and mentoring screeched to a halt. “The college closed, and I had to close my martial arts school and mentorship program. I still believed I had a purpose, so I applied to the Miccosukee Police Department for a part time position because it was close to home. But they offered me full time and detached me to the SAO Human Trafficking Task Force (HTTF).” This unexpected twist of fate turned out to be divine intervention directing Tarrago to a place where all of his talents, experience and passions intersect.

“Steven understands the complex life journey he himself has traveled, and his experiences have motivated him to reach out to help those lost in the complexities of their own lives,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “He clearly recognizes that to make the world a better place individuals must act, and he assumes that responsibility in everything he does. Working in Human Trafficking has
allowed him to put his beliefs into action by potentially saving one life at a time and impacting our community on every Human Trafficking operation.”

He loves the work at the SAO HTTF that when there was a position available as an SAO HT Investigator he applied and was immediately hired. “My calling is to be a servant to the community. I wanted to have a purpose, it motivates you mentally and spiritually. I really believe that I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve. Sometimes people ask me how I can do this work and see such horrible things done to children, but it is what I do, and I have a calling to fulfill.”

Tarrago often participates in operations in an undercover capacity. These operations to capture traffickers and rescue victims can be dangerous. His life has been threatened numerous times by defendants. On one occasion he was physically assaulted and received injuries.

In Tarrago’s current role as Interim Deputy Commander of the SAO HTTF, he leads efforts in intervention, prevention, and enforcement against Human Trafficking.

“Regular police work is reactive but here our work is holistic and integrated. State Attorney Fernandez Rundle is a pioneer, she has created a path that didn’t exist by walking the walk.” He credits her leadership and support of the mission and the team to their continued success.

“Our victim centered approach lets us address root causes, support victims, and ensure cases meet the highest burden of proof for successful prosecution. We also engage with the community through education and outreach, helping identify and rescue victims.”

Tarrago’s dedication has led to life-changing outcomes, including cases where victims were rescued after years of exploitation.

“Last year, we gave a presentation at a military base in South Dade. After the presentation, one of the attendees came up to speak to us. He said that with what he learned from us he thought that his friend’s son was being trafficked. He gave us information and we followed up. By speaking to the victim, we learned that he had been trafficked from the age of 14 until about 21. We made an arrest on the case which is currently open, and the victim is receiving services.

His philosophy is grounded in hope and humanity: “You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the ocean in a drop.” (Rumi)

“I have a letter that means a lot to me from a 14-year-old girl that we helped. The note is written with a marker and the handwriting is clearly of a child. In it, she thanked me for” locking up the bad guy and now I can be a person again.” He keeps it to motivate and remind him why he does this challenging and emotional draining work. “You must keep hope that one person is someone’s child, mother, etc.…
We’ve rescued many and you keep hope that you can continue to rescue others.”

Tarrago has reopened his martial arts mentorship program post-COVID to nurture values and build resilience in youth. He advocates for empowerment and self-esteem as tools to prevent victimization. “I do it four days a week for an hour each day. It is an inclusive space where everyone is welcome.”

In 2023 he had a milestone in his martial arts career winning the gold medal at the world Masters Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship. He is a proponent of practicing martial arts no matter a person’s age. “It’s about building self-esteem and feeling empowered. When someone lacks these, they are vulnerable to predators and will only see value that the trafficker gives them.”

Tarrago admits to being an avid reader books on positive thinking and affirmations. He believes in the power of collective responsibility: “As Muhammad Ali once said ‘You, Me, We.’ You are never alone you know. We belong to something bigger. Everything else is small.”

Steven Tarrago exemplifies service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable and uplifting his community. “It is a passion, and I am so blessed to get up every day and fulfill my passion.”