Sacramento Police Department announced on February 7th that they are the latest law enforcement agency in California to combat human trafficking, rescue victims, and arrest suspects. On social media platform X, the department wrote: “Our investigators, with dedication and compassion, successfully rescued 11 vulnerable victims and apprehended 2 suspects threatening community safety.”
From January 26th to February 1st, law enforcement agencies in California collectively arrested 547 suspects in Operation Reclaim and Rebuild. January of this year coincides with “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” and this operation, carried out by multiple agencies, focuses on saving victims of sex slavery and human trafficking.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Area Human Trafficking Task Force of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office were among the 197 law enforcement agencies participating in the operation. According to LAPD reports, a total of 333 suspects were arrested in Los Angeles County, and 11 minor victims were rescued from potential human traffickers.
The report also mentioned that 166 adults were confirmed as human trafficking victims and received appropriate services. All rescued minor victims are under protective custody and will receive support from the Department of Children and Family Services and assistance from victim support organizations.
In Riverside County, approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, a similar operation was conducted. According to the county sheriff’s office report, law enforcement agencies arrested 112 adults for crimes related to human trafficking, including solicitation, pimping, and possession of various drugs.
Riverside County authorities stated they provided services and resources to 13 potential human trafficking victims. The sheriff’s office mentioned that the goal of the operation was to target those engaged in commercial sex work and organized illegal activities that fuel underground economies.
In a statement released on February 5th, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said, “Victims are often forced or coerced into prostitution at a young age, with many acknowledging they were first victimized at around 14 years old or even younger.”