SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5\/KUSI) \u2014 A multi-agency human trafficking operation conducted earlier this month rescued 19 victims in just three days across San Diego County, according to the District Attorney\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
The Nexstar Media video above explains how to spot human trafficking <\/p>\n
Last week, District Attorney Summer Stephan announced the results of the annual \u201cHome for the Holidays\u201d Human Trafficking Task Force Operation, which took place Dec. 10\u201312 at motels in Chula Vista, National City and San Diego. All 19 victims were offered services aimed at helping them leave exploitation and begin the recovery process.<\/p>\n
The operation also led to the arrest of four adult men \u2014 including a registered sex offender \u2014 on charges including pimping, pandering, and violating a protective order. In addition, six misdemeanor citations were issued to people accused of attempting to buy sex.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ugly truth is that sex trafficking remains a lucrative criminal industry fueled by demand, generating over $810 million a year in San Diego County,\u201d Stephan said. She praised law enforcement and victim advocates for working together to recover victims, some as young as 12, and for holding traffickers and buyers accountable. \u201cLaw enforcement will not tolerate this modern-day slavery of vulnerable victims who are bought and sold like a slice of pizza,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n
The \u201cHome for the Holidays\u201d operation is part of a yearly, multi-jurisdictional effort designed to identify trafficking victims, connect them with support services, arrest traffickers, and reduce demand for commercial sex. During the sting, officers worked undercover as buyers and responded to online advertisements in order to identify both victims and those exploiting them.<\/p>\n
California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the operation a critical part of keeping communities safe during the holidays and year-round. \u201cTogether, we will continue to disrupt human trafficking operations and achieve meaningful results that uplift vulnerable Californians,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement officials also highlighted upcoming changes in state law. Beginning Jan. 1, Assembly Bill 379 will make buying sex from a minor a felony offense, restore criminal penalties for buyers who loiter for prostitution, create a Survivor Support Fund for victim services, and increase civil penalties for certain trafficking-related violations by businesses.<\/p>\n
Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy emphasized a victim-centered approach. \u201cOur collaborative efforts have led to the removal of dangerous offenders from the community and ensured that the 19 victims received the support and services they need,\u201d Murphy said.<\/p>\n
Those arrested were arraigned on Dec. 19 and Dec. 22. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from six to 20 years in prison.<\/p>\n
The Human Trafficking Task Force is led by the California Department of Justice and includes local, state and federal agencies throughout San Diego County. Officials say the task force conducts similar operations throughout the year.<\/p>\n
Over the past four years, \u201cHome for the Holidays\u201d operations have resulted in 23 arrests, 65 victims rescued \u2014 including two juveniles \u2014 and the recovery of three firearms. In 2024, task force operations recovered 47 juveniles, and in 2025, 62 juveniles have been recovered to date, according to the District Attorney\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
Anyone who believes they or someone they know may be a victim of human trafficking can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 for help and resources. If there is immediate danger, authorities say call 911.<\/p>\n
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