Dozens of missing children — some as young as 14 and some of whom had been sexually assaulted or trafficked — have been located and rescued in Southern California and nearby states, authorities say.
State leaders are celebrating the four-day operation to combat human trafficking in Southern California that led to the rescue and arrest of seven people. Dubbed Operation Safe Return, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies fanned out across the Los Angeles metropolitan area and nearby states, including Arizona and Nevada, searching for missing children.
During the operation, which took place from March 2 to 6, more than 50 children between 14 and 17 years old were identified as missing. At least 37 have been recovered while another 13 cases remain open, officials said.
At least seven people were arrested. Investigators said the names of those arrested would not be provided amid ongoing investigations.
The operation was led by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Riverside County Sheriff's Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force with assistance from other law enforcement agencies. Victim advocacy and community safety groups also helped.
“Each child received victim advocacy services, medical support when needed, and follow-up resources before being reunited with a legal guardian,” the Riverside County Sheriff's Office said in a written statement. “Unfortunately, some of these children were identified as victims of various crimes, ranging from child sex trafficking to sexual assault.”
Riverside sheriff's officials said about 5,000 to 6,000 children run away or go missing each year in Riverside County, and most return home soon after leaving. Others, like some of those rescued, may be victims of crime.
Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney. General Rob Bonta welcomed the operation in a written statement.
“We will never stop fighting to protect California's children and bring them home,” Bonta wrote. “Through close collaboration between state and federal authorities, we were able to safely identify, locate and recover 37 vulnerable children and hold those responsible for their exploitation accountable..”
“Every child deserves to be safe, protected and have the opportunity to live a life free of exploitation,” Newsom said. “California will continue to support victims and survivors, protect the most vulnerable, and do everything in our power to bring every child home safely.”
