In a significant joint effort, a multi-agency human trafficking operation in San Diego County successfully rescued 19 victims over a concentrated three-day period earlier this month, the District Attorney’s Office has revealed.

District Attorney Summer Stephan shared the outcomes of the annual “Home for the Holidays” Human Trafficking Task Force Operation, conducted from December 10 to 12. This operation took place at various motels situated in Chula Vista, National City, and San Diego. The rescued individuals were provided with services designed to help them escape their exploitation and embark on a path to recovery.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of four adult men, including a registered sex offender. These individuals face charges of pimping, pandering, and violating protective orders. Additionally, six people received misdemeanor citations for attempting to purchase sex.

“Sex trafficking continues to be a brutal and profitable criminal enterprise, driven by demand and generating over $810 million annually in San Diego County alone,” Stephan stated. She commended the collaboration between law enforcement and victim advocates, which led to the recovery of victims, some as young as 12, and ensured accountability for traffickers and buyers. “Law enforcement will not stand for this modern-day slavery, where vulnerable individuals are traded like commodities,” she added.

The “Home for the Holidays” operation is part of a broader, annual initiative aimed at identifying trafficking victims, providing them with necessary support, apprehending traffickers, and curbing the demand for commercial sex. Throughout the operation, officers operated undercover, posing as buyers and responding to online ads to pinpoint victims and their exploiters.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the operation a critical part of keeping communities safe during the holidays and year-round. “Together, we will continue to disrupt human trafficking operations and achieve meaningful results that uplift vulnerable Californians,” he stated.

Law enforcement officials also highlighted upcoming changes in state law. Beginning Jan. 1, Assembly Bill 379 will make buying sex from a minor a felony offense, restore criminal penalties for buyers who loiter for prostitution, create a Survivor Support Fund for victim services, and increase civil penalties for certain trafficking-related violations by businesses.

Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy emphasized a victim-centered approach. “Our collaborative efforts have led to the removal of dangerous offenders from the community and ensured that the 19 victims received the support and services they need,” Murphy said.

Those arrested were arraigned on Dec. 19 and Dec. 22. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from six to 20 years in prison.

The Human Trafficking Task Force is led by the California Department of Justice and includes local, state and federal agencies throughout San Diego County. Officials say the task force conducts similar operations throughout the year.

Over the past four years, “Home for the Holidays” operations have resulted in 23 arrests, 65 victims rescued — including two juveniles — and the recovery of three firearms. In 2024, task force operations recovered 47 juveniles, and in 2025, 62 juveniles have been recovered to date, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone who believes they or someone they know may be a victim of human trafficking can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 for help and resources. If there is immediate danger, authorities say call 911.