As part of a nationwide, joint effort by over 150 law enforcement agencies, non-profits, and corporations, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the results of the second “Operation Coast to Coast.” The operation occurred in October, across 15 states and multiple cities, with the goal of sharing intelligence, identifying trafficking victims, and arresting traffickers. As a result of the operation, 34 individuals were arrested and 77 survivors were offered support services, including three minors. The multi-state operation is part of a regional effort to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation through targeted enforcement, relying both on surveillance of known locations and officers working undercover.
“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,” said Attorney General Bonta. “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.”