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-Editorial
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF) have announced the results of the fifth annual Operation Home for the Holidays, a multi-jurisdictional initiative aimed at addressing human trafficking. Conducted in National City and Encinitas, this year’s operation resulted in six individuals being offered support services and twelve arrests for alleged solicitation. The arrests have been referred to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for potential prosecution.
The operation, led by the SDHTTF, aims to recover victims of human trafficking, provide them with resources, hold traffickers accountable, and reduce demand for commercial sex. Attorney General Bonta underscored the importance of the initiative, stating, “Operation Home for the Holidays stands as a vital effort to protect our communities and combat human trafficking. I am grateful to the task force for their dedication to uplifting survivors and holding offenders accountable.”
District Attorney Summer Stephan emphasized the operation’s broader goals, noting, “Our objective is to disrupt trafficking networks, assist survivors, and ensure that everyone can live with dignity and liberty.” Sheriff Martinez echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative nature of the task force in eradicating human trafficking from the region.
The operation involved law enforcement posing as sex buyers and responding to online advertisements to identify potential victims and traffickers. During the sting, undercover personnel coordinated with Child Welfare Services and victim advocates to provide immediate support to those exploited.
The SDHTTF is a collaborative effort involving local, state, and federal agencies, including the California Department of Justice, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and local police departments. As the lead agency, the California Department of Justice has bolstered its efforts through the Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Teams (HT/SPAT), regional units established to address trafficking statewide.
Human trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery, affects thousands across California. In 2019 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported over 1,500 cases in the state, more than any other in the nation. Urban areas, particularly Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, are among the most affected. Victims are often exploited in industries such as agriculture, residential care, and garment manufacturing.
Recognizing the severity of the issue, the California Department of Justice launched HT/SPAT to enhance statewide coordination. These teams work to investigate forced labor and sexual exploitation, assist survivors, and ensure compliance with sex offender laws. Since their inception, HT/SPAT agents have conducted nearly 300 address checks, executed dozens of search warrants, and collaborated with nonprofit organizations to support survivors.
The state has also committed significant resources to combat human trafficking. In addition to ongoing annual grants, the proposed state budget includes $30 million in new funding over the next three years to aid survivors and support law enforcement efforts. These funds will provide services such as housing, food, legal assistance, and emergency response.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, stating, “Human trafficking is a crisis that demands action on every front. From enforcement to survivor support, we must work together to end this exploitation.”
