During the 10th annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, a week-long statewide anti-human trafficking operation, over 500 arrests were made, and dozens were rescued. The operation involved more than 95 federal, state, and local agencies, including the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force. Among the arrests, 40 suspected sexual traffickers or exploiters and 271 suspected sex buyers were apprehended. Additionally, 54 adults and 11 children, including a 14-year-old girl, were rescued.
While the exact number of arrests in Los Angeles County wasn't specified, the operation aimed to combat human trafficking and child exploitation, emphasizing the vulnerability of victims. The operation included undercover activities, such as a "sex buyer" operation in Pomona, leading to the arrest of 12 males, including two registered sex offenders.
Law enforcement officials, including Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna and District Attorney George Gascón, highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking throughout the year, emphasizing the challenges of prosecuting traffickers due to victims' fears for their safety when testifying.
