Law enforcement officials announced Thursday that a joint operation targeting human trafficking and sexual exploitation in San Diego County last month resulted in 46 arrests and the identification of 20 victims — including seven children.
The investigation — called Operation Better Pathways — was led by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement officers.
From March 5 to 27, task force investigators set up surveillance in areas known for sexual exploitation in National City and San Diego, authorities said. The information gathered was then used to stop human trafficking in real time.
Investigators also posed as prostitutes to catch johns at those same locations. The johns were then directed to another location and arrested.
All 20 victims were offered access to resources and support services. Adult and juvenile support service advocates, as well as San Diego County Child Welfare Services representatives, were also on scene to provide help.
Those arrested were referred to the county District Attorney’s Office, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for possible criminal prosecution. The allegations range from human trafficking of a minor to assault with a deadly weapon, officials said.
“Predators who target the most vulnerable in our community need to know we are going to be relentless in our efforts to stop them and hold them accountable,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said in a news release about the investigation on Thursday.
Last year, Operation Better Pathways ended its inaugural investigation by announcing 48 arrests and the identification of 16 victims — eight of whom were children.
Officials said the task force’s work has helped in the regional effort to crack down on human trafficking and sexual exploitation, but San Diego police Chief David Nisleit urged people in the news release to remain alert. “While Operation Better Pathways has been successful in capturing those who prey on the most vulnerable, the results also remind us that we must remain vigilant in our fight against human trafficking,” he said.
California has the most reported cases of human trafficking in the country, and there were more than 1,300 human trafficking cases reported statewide in 2021, according to latest data available from authorities with the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
The crime is prevalent in the hospitality, commercial sex, domestic work and construction industries. Victims also are found among migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, residential care providers and workers in the garment industry.
“Protecting our community from sexual predators requires the continued cooperation and commitment from the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force,” Nisleit said. “Our work is just beginning.”
