California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the results of the second “Operation Coast to Coast,” a collaborative effort aimed at combating human trafficking. The operation, which took place in October, involved over 150 law enforcement agencies, non-profits, and corporations across 15 states and multiple cities.
According to Attorney General Bonta, the operation resulted in 34 arrests and support services being offered to 77 survivors, including three minors. He stated, “The objective of Operation Coast to Coast is to maximize impact by working together to increase the total number of human trafficking investigations and prosecutions nationwide, to hold perpetrators of human trafficking accountable, and support survivors along the way.” He emphasized the importance of trauma-informed and culturally competent approaches: “It is vital that we carry out our goal in a manner that is trauma-informed and culturally competent. That’s why our special agents receive specialized training and experience to appropriately handle these cases with the sensitivity, compassion, and the care they deserve. I am thankful for these strong national partnerships and look forward to all that we can accomplish when we work together.”
In California, the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF), led by the California Department of Justice (DOJ), participated in two operations supporting this initiative. One focused on street-level contacts in National City’s “Blade” area while another targeted hotel-based activities through undercover officers responding to online sex advertisements involving suspected or known minors. These efforts led to recovering two juvenile trafficking victims and contacting 13 adults; all individuals were offered resources and support services.
The SDHTTF consists of multiple agencies working together including state departments such as the California DOJ, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol; federal partners like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Naval Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS); local law enforcement agencies; as well as prosecutorial offices such as the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
The California DOJ Victims’ Services Unit (VSU) collaborates with providers statewide to deliver victim-centered support services for crime victims from various backgrounds. More information about available resources can be found at oag.ca.gov/victimservices or by calling (877) 433-9069.
For those seeking help related to human trafficking situations, assistance is available via the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Immediate dangers should be reported by calling 9-1-1.
