From February 6th to February 12th, 413 people were apprehended in a California human trafficking investigation.
The Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force conducted “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild” and made the arrests. More than 80 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies were a part of the operation. The crackdown took place on locations such as sidewalks and even on the internet.
The aim was to retrieve victims from sexual slavery and human trafficking. These victims will be given help in naming their captors and ensuring that a prosecution takes place. The hope is that by targeting these traffickers more aggressively, these crimes will lessen.
65 adults and 7 underage kids were rescued. 182 men were apprehended for solicitation and another 30 were taken into custody for suspected sex trafficking and exploitation.
The task force has noted that the trafficking victims will be under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services Agencies and victim service providers close to them.
Operation Reclaim and Rebuild occurs every year. It has taken place seven times in 2022.
