California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF), has disclosed the outcomes of the fifth annual Operation Home for the Holidays. This operation aims to recover individuals exploited in human trafficking, provide victim resources, hold traffickers accountable, and reduce the demand for paid sex. The recent multi-day undercover operation resulted in six individuals being offered support services and twelve arrests for solicitation. These cases have been forwarded to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for potential prosecution.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of safety for all: “No matter the time of year, everyone deserves a safe place to call home.” He praised SDHTTF partners for their dedication to supporting survivors and ensuring that offenders face legal consequences.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan reiterated this commitment: “Everyone deserves to live with dignity and liberty and Operation Home for the Holidays is one example of how we are fighting to recover victims of sex trafficking and hold those who are fueling their abuse accountable.”
San Diego Sheriff Martinez highlighted the operation's objectives: "The goal of Operation Home for the Holidays is to recover victims of human trafficking." He noted that providing resources to victims helps them escape perpetrators.
During this operation, law enforcement personnel posed as sex buyers to identify potential trafficking victims and traffickers by responding to online sex advertisements. Conducted over two days in National City and Encinitas, it involved collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. Child Welfare Services and support service advocates were present to assist those involved.
SDHTTF includes multiple agencies such as the California Department of Justice, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and local law enforcement departments. The California Department of Justice leads SDHTTF efforts and operates regional Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Teams across California.
For those needing assistance or witnessing forced activity, contact can be made through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.