An anti-human trafficking law enforcement operation conducted in San Diego County amid Comic-Con International led to 27 arrests of alleged sex buyers and the recovery of nine trafficking victims.
Operation Iron Justice, conducted from July 22 through July 24, focused on the demand for commercial sex that surrounds large-scale events such as Comic-Con, according to the California Department of Justice.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement, “The ugly truth is that the demand for these illegal services fuels the supply of commercial sex operations and human trafficking.
“No matter if it’s around large-scale conventions or anywhere else, solicitation is a crime and California stands ready to hold offenders accountable.”
Undercover agents with the multi-agency San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force made contact with sex buyers throughout the county and ultimately arrested 27 people on suspicion of solicitation, loitering for purposes of solicitation, or other related offenses.
The operation also led to the recovery of seven adult trafficking victims and two juvenile victims, including a 16-year-old from San Bernardino County who had been reported missing.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said, “The message we sent was loud and clear that human beings are not for sale and that anyone who engages in the crime of buying a person for sex will be held accountable.”
The DA had previously warned potential offenders about the operation.
Stephan warned that partaking in these activities will result in legal consequences, adding that attempting to purchase sex may result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
“Many victims being sold for sex are being exploited, coerced, or controlled by others behind the scenes,” Stephan said. “If you attempt to purchase sex, expect enforcement and criminal consequences, including misdemeanor or felony charges.”
Stephan also appealed to attendees to be responsible guests.
“We want everyone to enjoy Comic-Con and all that San Diego has to offer, while respecting the law and the dignity of others,” Stephan said. “Be part of what makes our city great by being a responsible and respectful guest.”
The arrests of 27 sex buyers during this large-scale gathering sends a clear message that purchasing sex is not a victimless crime. It drives an illicit industry that generates more than $810 million a year in San Diego County and profits from exploitation of children and adults.
The scale of the problem in the county is significant.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said there’s an average of 5,000 sex trafficking victims in San Diego County each year — most are 15 and 16-year-old children.
Stephan emphasized the collaborative effort in handling the sting.
“We are still one of the safest urban counties in America, but it’s because of this level of collaboration and the ability to leverage technology, tools and sophisticated operations to make San Diego safe,” Stephan said.
The victims recovered in the operation received support services immediately.
The victims were offered access to resources and supportive services.
In the viral moment during Comic-Con when authorities rolled out Operation Iron Justice, undercover agents posed as sex buyers and also posted undercover advertisements seeking sex to identify and contact people attempting to purchase sexual services.
Undercover agents with the multi-agency San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force made contact with sex buyers throughout the county and ultimately arrested 27 people on suspicion of solicitation, loitering for purposes of solicitation, or other related offenses.
Law enforcement worked in coordination with the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local agencies. The operation kicked off as Comic-Con drew an estimated 135,000 attendees to the San Diego Convention Center.
Operation Iron Justice, conducted from July 22 through July 24, focused on the demand for commercial sex that surrounds large-scale events such as Comic-Con.
Similar operations have been conducted annually during Comic-Con weekends. The effort resulted in 13 arrests last year.
San Diego Comic-Con brought in an estimated 135,000 visitors this year, with a projected $160 million generated for the local economy.