LA County Authorities Arrest Hundreds in California Human Trafficking Operation

More than 600 criminal arrests were made during the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force's 12th annual 'Operation Reclaim and Rebuild,' officials said.

Audrey Simons

Published: 2/6/2026, 4:23:42 PM EST

LA County Authorities Arrest Hundreds in California Human Trafficking Operation — Robert Luna, Los Angeles County Sheriff, speaks at a swearing-in ceremony for new Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman outside of the Hall of Justice in Los Angeles on Dec. 3, 2024. (Frederic Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

Hundreds of arrests were made last month during a weeklong crackdown on human trafficking across California, authorities announced Tuesday.

At a Feb. 3 press conference, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna revealed 611 people were taken into custody across the state during the last week of January, including 328 suspected sex buyers and 71 suspected human traffickers.

The arrests were made as part of the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force's 12th annual "Operation Reclaim and Rebuild," a statewide effort to combat human trafficking, supported by more than 80 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and task forces.

"This operation is much more than just about enforcement. It's about restoring dignity, safety, and hope to people who have been exploited," Luna said. "When agencies work together, lives are changed and traffickers lose their power."

Some of those arrested were on active parole for prior sex trafficking violations or other related offenses, the sheriff added, noting that stolen firearms, large quantities of ammunition, and narcotics were seized.

Six of the traffickers arrested were also linked to illegal residential brothels in the city of Walnut, just east of downtown Los Angeles.

In addition to the arrests, Luna said 156 adults and 14 children were rescued during the weeklong operation. The victims were connected with service providers to help with their support and recovery.

"These numbers do represent real people — adults and children — who are no longer trapped in exploitation," Luna said, sharing a message to any traffickers watching.

"We're coming after you. Don't do this, you're going to get arrested, you're going to get prosecuted, and you're going to be held accountable."

Under California law, those convicted of human trafficking may face between 5 and 12 years in state prison and fines of up to $500,000, with harsher penalties if force, fraud, or coercion is involved or if the victim is a minor.

At the press briefing, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman called for enhanced penalties for sex buyers, including increased fines and prison sentences, as well as a public registry to deter future solicitation.

"Human trafficking and child exploitation are devastating crimes that target the most vulnerable amongst us. This operation makes it very clear that California will not — will absolutely not — be a refuge to predators," Luna said.

"Victims, you are our focus. We see you, we believe in you, and we are here to help you reclaim your freedom and rebuild your lives. Don't be afraid to come forward."