More Than 500 Arrested in California Human Trafficking Operation

CALIFORNIA – More than 500 people have been arrested in a California statewide human trafficking operation, officials made the announcement on Tuesday.

The announcement was made by law enforcement officials at a news conference held in Downtown Los Angeles at the Hall of Justice.

518 people were taken into police custody during “Operation Reclaim & Rebuild” which was an effort by multiple agencies, according to officials.

The charges range from human trafficking to prostitution.

Alex Villanueva, a Los Angeles County sheriff said, “This just one week, but this is 24-7, 365, all year long, all day long. The sex industry continues going on, continues exploiting defenseless people. So we are here to rescue them.”

“Law enforcement agencies from across the state joined us to send a message to pimps, to exploiters, and to buyers: it is unacceptable to buy another human being for sexual purposes,” Villanueva said.

Personnel from the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Force were involved in conducting the operation, according to Sheriff Villanueva.

Whiled the arrests were being made, 90 adult and juvenile female victims were rescued by authorities during this bust operation that took place during January 26 and February 1. In total, 76 adults and 11 children were rescued, along with about 518 arrests.

Among the arrests were 27 suspected “human traffickers and exploiters” and 266 customers. State, local, and federal agencies all cooperated together during the operation.

“Don’t do business in Los Angeles County or the State of California,” Villanueva said. “We will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”