37 Missing Children Rescued in Riverside County Human Trafficking Operation
Human Trafficking Operation Rescues 37 Children in Riverside County
Riverside County, Calif. – In a significant operation aimed at combating human trafficking, authorities rescued 37 missing children in Riverside County, as announced by Governor Gavin Newsom’s office on Tuesday.
The operation, named "Safe Return," also led to the arrest of at least seven individuals suspected of involvement in trafficking. Law enforcement agencies focused their efforts on identifying high-risk missing children by examining records in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
The initiative collaborated with several state and federal agencies, including the California Department of Justice (DOJ), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the Riverside Police Department, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, among others.
While the recovery marks a substantial victory, specific details regarding the ages and genders of the rescued children have not been disclosed.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of ensuring safety for all children, stating, "Every child deserves to be safe, protected, and given the chance to live their life free from exploitation." He reaffirmed California’s commitment to supporting victims and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed this sentiment, noting, "Finding missing children and bringing them home safely is some of the most important work we can do." He pledged continued collaboration with law enforcement to ensure the safety of children and support families throughout the state.
