California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the results of a large-scale operation targeting human trafficking across 19 states. The initiative, known as Operation Coast to Coast, was a collaborative effort involving over 150 law enforcement agencies, non-profits, and corporations. It aimed to share intelligence, identify victims of trafficking, and apprehend traffickers.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 74 individuals for alleged human trafficking and related offenses. Additionally, 98 individuals received support services. Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of trauma-informed and culturally competent approaches in handling such cases. “The objective of this operation was to work together to increase the total number of human trafficking investigations and prosecutions nationwide,” he stated.
Dan Nash, founder of the Human Trafficking Training Center, highlighted the benefits of proactive operations like this one in identifying victims and making communities safer. “As more agencies obtain proper training,” Nash said, “this number will grow and make trafficking inhospitable in America.”
Operation Coast to Coast led to the recovery of over $1.14 million and seven firearms. Essential services such as food, housing, medical care, drug rehabilitation, counseling, and childcare were provided to survivors post-operation.
In California specifically, efforts took place in San Diego and Sacramento resulting in six arrests and the recovery of one juvenile victim. The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is a joint effort involving multiple local law enforcement entities including federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations.
The California Department of Justice’s Victims’ Services Unit works statewide with various service providers offering victim-centered support services for crime victims including vulnerable populations.
For those needing assistance or suspecting human trafficking activities around them can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or dial 9-1-1 if immediate danger is present.
