World
January 27, 2025 15:28
los angeles - Authorities are aware of ongoing issues in the area, with reports of human trafficking and child prostitution.
Human Trafficking Crisis in Los Angeles
Authorities have rescued 84 individuals, including 11-year-old children, from the clutches of human traffickers and pimps in the last six months alone. The area is plagued by drug trafficking, human trafficking, and child prostitution.
Public prosecutor Martin Estrada stated, "Every night, a human rights tragedy is unveiled in this passage. Children from orphanages and broken families fall prey to human traffickers and are forced into prostitution."
Last year, the prosecutor initiated a new campaign to combat the issues in the area, emphasizing the prevalence of human trafficking involving women and children on a daily basis.
Youth are even coerced into prostitution in broad daylight, with the area transforming into a 'street brothel' at night, as underage girls roam scantily clad while their pimps monitor from cars.
Concerns raised by Hydee Feinstein Soto, a Los Angeles city prosecutor, further highlight the dire situation, with reports of minors being offered for prostitution. Soto witnessed children in various states of undress being solicited for exploitation.
George Gascon, a district attorney for Los Angeles, encountered a case where a pimp had tattooed his name on the faces of victims, showcasing the extreme measures taken by child traffickers to maintain control.
Despite challenges, a minor victory was achieved last year with the arrest of Nanci Jasmin Castillo, 31, and Jonathan Gonzalez-Reyes, 38, for prostituting a 13-year-old after intoxicating her and recording the assault. Earlier, Dwayne Bradford, 33, received a life sentence for a similar offense.