Human trafficking has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing criminal enterprises, generating an estimated $150 billion annually, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. This form of modern-day slavery exploits vulnerable populations and poses a significant challenge for law enforcement, particularly in California, which is a major destination for trafficking due to its large immigrant population and status as the world's fifth-largest economy.

In 2018 alone, California reported 1,656 cases of human trafficking. The breakdown of these cases reveals a troubling trend: 1,226 were related to sex trafficking, 151 involved labor trafficking, and 110 cases encompassed both forms of exploitation. In 169 instances, the specific type of trafficking was not identified.

The sophistication and organization of human trafficking networks have increased, necessitating a more advanced response from law enforcement and community partners to effectively disrupt and dismantle these operations. Attorney General Bonta emphasized that human trafficking not only strips victims of their freedom but also violates the fundamental human rights guaranteed to every individual in the United States.

As California continues to grapple with this pressing issue, the need for comprehensive strategies and collaborative efforts to combat human trafficking remains critical.