On Wednesday (November 5th), the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) released its ninth report on human trafficking victims at the Anaheim Police Department. Among all the rescued victims, 50% were minors, with an average age of 14 and the youngest being only 6 years old. The report also identified the locations where the victims were trafficked for the first time.
In the United States, California continues to lead in the number of human trafficking cases filed; and out of the approximately 29,000 missing children cases in 2024 nationwide, about 1/7 are likely to be victims of sex trafficking.
Orange County’s report covers data from 2023-2024, showing that out of the 411 rescued victims, 50% were minors; 88% were involved in sex trafficking; 83% were American citizens; underage female victims (46%) outnumbered adult females (37%); among the 205 underage victims, the average age was 14, with the oldest being 17 and the youngest 6. In terms of ethnicity, 36% were Hispanic, 24% White, 23% Black, 9% Asian, and 8% other ethnicities.
According to the Orange County Social Services Agency, from 2017 to 2024, out of 477 victims, 76% (363 individuals) were from Orange County, while 24% (114 individuals) were from 21 counties in California and 18 states across the U.S. Orange County serves not only as a source but also as a destination for human trafficking.
On Wednesday, approximately 43 organizations and groups participated in the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force’s report release event. OCHTTF includes 13 coordinating agencies and 70 partners, bringing together law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, social service organizations, victim service agencies, non-governmental organizations, religious organizations, healthcare professionals, and community members.
“The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force originated from an initiative in the early 2000s,” said Rita Mercado, a project officer at the non-profit organization Waymakers. “In 2010, it became federally recognized, focusing on three major issues: protecting victims, prosecuting traffickers, and preventing exploitation through education and commitment.”
Mercado pointed out that human trafficking is a modern form of slavery – depriving individuals of their freedom, forcing them into labor and sex trade; traffickers use violence, fear, coercion, manipulation, or threat of harm to control their victims. It must be clarified that minors engaged in sex trade, regardless of whether they experienced violence or coercion, are victims.
Individuals in vulnerable situations, such as poverty, homelessness, lack of immigration status, or support commonly become targets for traffickers, who promise them love, work, or a better life, only to trap them. A few years ago, a 13-year-old girl was found wandering the streets alone in the early hours with bruises on her body; law enforcement discovered that she was being tracked, trafficked, and forced into prostitution by someone nearly three times her age.
Even after rescuing victims, it is crucial to assist in their healing process by building trust, providing ongoing support. Survivors’ needs are often complex and varied based on their experiences, which can impact their future paths. Mercado emphasized the importance of establishing connections, consistent meetings, follow-ups, perseverance, and respecting the victims’ experiences to fulfill the commitment to rescue step by step.
Michelle Heater, project manager at Waymakers, stated that addressing basic needs such as food, clothing, and secure housing is paramount. Ensuring their safety, offering emotional support, and informing them of their rights are essential. The organization provides key resources including legal aid, psychological therapy, healthcare, and assists survivors in developing life skills, seeking education or employment opportunities for long-term stability.
“Victims come from across the country, and even internationally; we respect their preferences and assess compliance with certain immigration requirements while assisting with legal proceedings,” she explained.
Anaheim Police Chief Rick Armendariz stressed, “The situation of human trafficking is severe, targeting the most vulnerable groups regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.” He witnessed the devastating effects of human trafficking crimes on victims, their families, and the entire community, lamenting the involvement of many minors in sex trade.
“Traffickers often have a history of violent crimes. Between 2018-2022, 97% of Orange County criminals were arrested, with 37 people arrested over 10 times, 29% incarcerated, and a staggering 72% having records of violent crimes, a shocking statistic,” Armendariz said, revealing the dangerous predicament victims face.
Police departments collaborate with local, state, and federal prosecutors to track criminals across counties, states, and nationwide. Armendariz recounted a case on May 30 when they received a report of a 17-year-old girl being held captive by an armed human trafficking suspect; within two hours, they apprehended 46-year-old Donald Newton from Las Vegas and recovered a firearm. Newton was swiftly convicted by an Orange County jury, facing over 20 years of imprisonment. The day prior, they also rescued another underage victim.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer recalled his early days at the district attorney’s office 35 years ago, witnessing numerous women engaged in prostitution in detention facilities. Later, a statewide initiative was launched by activists in California, demanding sanctions against the masterminds behind the crimes.
The SB14 bill, effective from January 2025, categorizes “trafficking minors for sex” as a felony. Spitzer mentioned that State Senator Shannon Grove from the 12th district took a tough stance, promoting legislation and expanding advocacy, leading to significant changes.
“I hope legislative bodies require any international sporting events to allocate funds to combat human trafficking, enabling law enforcement to have resources to fight human trafficking,” elaborated Spitzer, anticipating a significant demand for human trafficking law enforcement with the upcoming World Cup and Olympics. He urged organizers to focus on the negative impacts of sporting events and raise funds for combating human trafficking while selling tickets for thousands of dollars.
Spitzer believes that Orange County is “firmly committed and working hard” to combat crime. He mentioned a video where two suspects, unaware of being recorded in the back of a patrol car, discussed, “Are we in Orange County? Not good, they are tough to deal with.”
The OCHTTF report emphasized the importance of preventive education for children. Between 2023-24, Orange County conducted educational programs in 35 high schools in Anaheim, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, and Westminster cities, engaging over 9,000 adolescents. Surveys showed an 84% increase in students recognizing human trafficking signs and a 115% improvement in knowledge on reporting and seeking help. The program is set to expand to more cities and schools in 2026.
Veronica Rodriguez, Deputy Director of Orange County Social Services Agency, stated that over the past decade, the agency has helped about 500 families embark on the road to recovery. The Grace Court project assists victims in rebuilding confidence, making safe choices, and handling trauma.
Furthermore, the “No More Do Better” initiative invites individuals with similar experiences to educate teenagers on healthy relationships. Rodriguez reported that over the past three years, they have reached out to more than 1,400 students with preventive knowledge, including online safety. She cautioned, “Predators constantly attempt to contact children through social media, online games, or other platforms,” focusing on middle school students as prime targets for predators, starting prevention work from junior high.
Rodriguez mentioned that Orange County Social Services Agency also disseminates information to parents and educators, helping them grasp identification and coping tools, emphasizing that “protecting children is our top priority.”