January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the most serious human rights issues impacting communities across the United States, including right here in San Diego. Human trafficking affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent exploitation, support survivors and strengthen our community’s safety.

Human Trafficking in the United States

Human trafficking remains a growing and complex issue nationwide. The U.S. Department of State estimates that more than 27 million people worldwide are exploited for labor, services, or commercial sex. Traffickers increasingly use social media, online platforms, and digital tools to recruit victims and hide their activities, making prevention and identification more challenging.

Data from the Department of Justice shows ongoing gaps in identifying victims, tracking cases, and bringing traffickers to justice. Communities across the country continue to improve reporting systems, strengthen prevention efforts, and expand victim support services to address these challenges.

Human Trafficking in San Diego

San Diego is one of California’s most impacted regions for human trafficking. Recent multi-agency operations highlight both the seriousness of the problem and the strong collaboration among local law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.

• In December 2025, a multi-day operation across San Diego County rescued 19 trafficking victims, and resulted in multiple arrests for pimping, pandering, and attempting to purchase sex. Officials estimate that sex trafficking generates more than $810 million annually in San Diego County.
• Statewide initiatives such as Operation Coast to Coast continue to identify San Diego as a hotspot for regional and national anti-trafficking efforts, leading to arrests, victim recovery, and increased public awareness.

Local data also shows:

• Nearly 90% of high schools in San Diego County have reported cases of sex trafficking.
• The average age of entry into the local commercial sex trade is 16 years old.
• California consistently reports some of the highest human trafficking case numbers nationwide, with many cases involving minors and sex trafficking.

How You Can Help Prevent Human Trafficking

Human trafficking often goes unnoticed in everyday settings. It thrives in silence, and awareness is one of our most powerful tools.  Learning the signs and knowing where to find help can make a real difference in preventing exploitation and supporting victims.

You can help by:

• Learning common warning signs of human trafficking, such as isolation, sudden behavior changes, or someone being controlled by another person. As a starting point, see our educational resources for youth and caregivers.
• Sharing trusted human trafficking awareness resources within your school, workplace, and neighborhood.
• Connecting anyone who may need help to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, available 24/7.
• Referring youth and young adults to San Diego Youth Services’ Victim/Survivor Services (SFS and ICARE), which provides: Therapy and psychiatry for Medi-Cal insured or uninsured youth up to age 21 through ICARE, Services up to age 25 regardless of insurance through SFS, Case management up to age 25, A drop-in center open Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m., and group sessions held Monday through Friday. Learn more about San Diego Youth Services' Human Trafficking Awareness & Recovery Services.

Together, we can help protect vulnerable youth and families, strengthen human trafficking prevention in San Diego, and continue supporting survivor-centered organizations doing critical work in our community.