Hundreds Arrested in Human Trafficking Raids
A little over a week ago Law Enforcement in California launched statewide raids to combat Human Trafficking. The raids yielded hundreds of arrests and dozens of slaves being set free including children who were being sexually exploited.
From KTLA5:
More than 30 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and task forces, including the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, participated in the third annual “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild” enforcement operation, according to a sheriff’s news release.
The statewide operation took place over the three-day period between last Thursday and Saturday.
In total, 474 arrests were made, including 142 males on solicitation charges, and 36 males on suspicion of pimping, according to figures provided by the Sheriff’s Department.
Additionally, 28 commercially and sexually exploited children and 27 adult victims were rescued.
“You are worthy of more. And we will work tirelessly with our partners … to provide you services and help you rebuild your life,” Sheriff Jim McDonnell said, addressing the victims during a news conference on Tuesday.
The minors who were recovered during the operation were being cared for by various children and family services agencies across the state, according to sheriff’s officials. The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking and the Saving Innocence organization were coordinating efforts to help victims in L.A. County.
The Sheriff for Los Angeles County, Jim McDonnell, said that nearly 70 percent of trafficked children are taken from foster care situations. “They’re looking for love, They’re looking for someone that cares about them. The pimp says that they’re going to give them this, then leads them down a path of destruction.”
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