San Diego Human Trafficking Sting at Comic-Con Results in 27 Arrests

Operation Iron Justice, a three‑day anti‑human‑trafficking sting timed with Comic‑Con International in San Diego, ran from July 22 to July 24. The multi‑agency San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force arrested 27 suspected sex buyers on charges of solicitation and related offenses.

The operation rescued nine trafficking victims – seven adults and two juveniles, including a 16‑year‑old from San Bernardino County who had been reported missing. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the demand for illegal services fuels the supply of trafficking, while San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan called the arrests a clear message that buying sex is not a victimless crime.