San Diego, California — A multi-agency human trafficking operation conducted earlier this month rescued 19 victims over a three-day period across San Diego County, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. The annual “Home for the Holidays” Human Trafficking Task Force operation took place Dec. 10–12 at motels in Chula Vista, National City, and San Diego.
District Attorney Summer Stephan said all 19 victims were offered services designed to help them exit exploitation and begin recovery. The operation also resulted in the arrest of four adult men, including a registered sex offender, on charges such as pimping, pandering, and violating a protective order. In addition, six misdemeanor citations were issued to individuals accused of attempting to buy sex.
Stephan said sex trafficking remains a major criminal enterprise in the region, generating an estimated $810 million annually in San Diego County. She credited cooperation between law enforcement agencies and victim advocates for identifying victims, some as young as 12, and holding traffickers and buyers accountable.
Officers involved in the sting worked undercover and responded to online advertisements to identify both victims and those exploiting them. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the effort reflects a statewide commitment to disrupting trafficking networks and supporting vulnerable residents.
Officials also noted that beginning Jan. 1, a new state law will increase penalties for buyers, including making the purchase of sex from a minor a felony and expanding funding for survivor services. Authorities said similar operations are conducted throughout the year.
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