Human trafficking sting brings 37 teens home in SoCal in sheriff and feds takedown

By Ben Chapman

Dozens of teens across California and neighboring states were brought home safe after a massive human trafficking sting operation.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, together with the U.S. Marshals and other agencies, recovered 37 missing minors aged 14-17 during a human trafficking operation dubbed “Operation Safe Return.” 

The youths rescued by the sheriff and federal agents were provided with victim services, medical support and resources to help them reunite with their families.  

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The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office worked with federal law enforcement to find missing teens.Facebook/Riverside County Sheriff's Office
“We will never stop fighting to protect California children and bring them home,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement announcing the operation.

During the operation, more than 50 minors between the ages of 14 and 17 were identified as missing, according to the Sheriff’s office. The teens targeted in the operation were missing for anywhere from one month to two years.

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The U.S. Marshals led the federal effort in “Operation Safe Return.”Instagram/usmarshalshq

The Sherrif’s office dispatched officers and social workers to rescue the missing teens in areas including Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County and Los Angeles.

On average, between 5,000 – 6,000 children run away from home or go missing each year in Riverside County alone, according to the Sheriff’s Office. A majority of those children return home shortly after leaving. 

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2024 marked 40 years of operation for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Over the past four decades, NCMEC has continuously confronted evolving threats against children and worked with law enforcement, legislators, industry, survivors and their families and others to create and implement solutions to keep children safe online.

 

NCMEC's CyberTipline was created in 1998 to receive reports of suspected child sexual exploitation from the public and electronic service providers (ESPs). Through this work, we support law enforcement efforts to stop child sexual exploitation and abuse and provide services to combat the harmful circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

 

This report includes data from reports made to the CyberTipline in 2024 and reflects the ever-changing nature of the threats against children and the landscape of online child protection.

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                  Overview

NCMEC’s CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. The public and electronic service providers can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sexual molestation, child sexual abuse material, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet.

Every child deserves a safe childhood.

What Happens to Information in a CyberTip?

NCMEC staff review each tip and work to find a potential location for the incident reported so that it may be made available to the appropriate law-enforcement agency for possible investigation. We also use the information from our CyberTipline reports to help shape our prevention and safety messages.

Is Your Image Out There?

Get Support

One of the worst things about having an explicit image online is feeling like you’re facing everything alone. But you have people who care for you and want to help. Reach out to them!

A trusted adult can offer advice, help you report, and help you deal with other issues. It could be your mom, dad, an aunt, a school counselor, or anyone you trust and are comfortable talking to. You can also “self report” by making a report on your own to the CyberTipline.

Families of exploited children often feel alone in their struggle and overwhelmed by the issues affecting their lives. NCMEC provides assistance and support to victims and families such as crisis intervention and local counseling referrals to appropriate professionals. Additionally, NCMEC’s Team HOPE is a volunteer program that connects families to others who have experienced the crisis of a sexually exploited child.

Don't Give Up

Having a sexually exploitative image of yourself exposed online is a scary experience. It can make you feel vulnerable and isolated, but remember, others have been in the same situation as you – and they’ve overcome it. Learn the steps you can take to limit the spread of the content.

By the Numbers

In 2023, reports made to the CyberTipline rose more than 12% from the previous year, surpassing 36.2 million reports.

There were 105,653,162 data files reported to the CyberTipline in 2023.

Reports of online enticement increased by more than 300% from 44,155 in 2021 to 186,819 in 2023. 

Find more data in the CyberTipline Report.

By the Numbers

In 2022:

Find more data in the CyberTipline Report.

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Production and Active Trading of Child Sexual Exploitation Images Depicting Identified Victims

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Trends Identified in CyberTipline Sextortion Reports

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The Online Enticement of Children: An In-Depth Analysis of CyberTipline Reports

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Report It

If you think you have seen a missing child, or suspect a child may be sexually exploited, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Use the CyberTipline to report child sexual exploitation.

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Keeping Your Children Safe in the Age of Social Media: A Parent’s Guide

Know the Apps, Protect Your Kids

Children and teens now use more apps and online platforms than ever. While many support creativity, learning, and connection, others may expose young users to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, privacy risks, or contact with strangers.

Safer Internet Day highlights that awareness, rather than fear, is key to keeping children safe online. Understanding the apps children use and how they work is an essential first step.

Why Knowing the Apps Matters

Many popular apps offer direct messaging, live streaming, location sharing, or anonymous interaction. While these features can be positive when used responsibly, without proper settings and supervision, they may put children at risk. Parents who understand these platforms are better prepared to guide safe online behavior.

Apps Parents Should Be Aware Of Today

Social Media & Photo Sharing

TikTok

A short-form video platform popular with teens. Although parental controls and screen-time tools are available, users may still encounter explicit content, viral challenges, or unwanted interactions if privacy settings are not managed effectively.

Instagram

A photo and video sharing app with Stories, Reels, and private messaging. Risks include cyberbullying, oversharing personal information, unwanted attention, and pressure related to appearance and popularity.

Snapchat

Known for photos and messages that disappear after viewing. However, content can still be saved or shared, and the temporary nature of messages may encourage risky behavior.

BeReal

This app encourages users to post unfiltered photos at random times each day. While it promotes authenticity, it may expose location data and create social pressure to post immediately.

Threads

A text-based social platform linked to Instagram. Similar risks include public posts, unwanted interactions, and oversharing personal information.

Messaging Apps

WhatsApp

A messaging app for texts, photos, videos, and voice messages. While widely used and encrypted, it can enable communication with people outside a child’s known contacts.

Telegram

A messaging platform known for large group chats and strong privacy features. Limited moderation and anonymous interactions may expose minors to inappropriate content or unknown individuals.

Gaming & Live Streaming

Roblox

An online gaming platform where users create and play games made by others. Chat features may expose children to cyberbullying or contact with strangers, and in-game purchases can result in unexpected charges.

Discord

Originally designed for gamers, Discord now hosts many private servers. Unmoderated spaces may expose children to explicit content, bullying, or unsafe interactions.

Twitch

A live streaming platform focused on gaming. Real-time chat features may expose minors to inappropriate language or content.

Bigo Live

A live streaming app that allows users to broadcast and interact in real time. The platform’s gifting and interaction features may encourage risky behavior, especially for minors.

Anonymous & Dating Apps

Yubo

A social discovery app that allows users to connect through live video and chat. Although there are age-based communities, users may misrepresent their age, increasing safety concerns.

Bumble

A dating app for adults that uses location-based matching. Age restrictions exist, but they can be bypassed, potentially exposing minors to inappropriate interactions.

Tinder

A swipe-based dating app that connects nearby users. Its location-based design and adult-focused environment present clear risks for underage users.

LMK (Let Me Know)

An anonymous question and answer app often linked to other social platforms. Anonymity may encourage cyberbullying or inappropriate messaging.

Video Apps

YouTube

YouTube is one of the most widely used platforms among children and teens for entertainment, tutorials, and gaming content. While YouTube and YouTube Kids offer safety tools, users may still encounter videos with inappropriate language, themes, or imagery, and comment sections can expose children to cyberbullying or harmful interactions.

Likee

Likee is a short-form video app similar to TikTok that allows users to create and share edited videos. While less popular than TikTok, it includes public profiles and live features that may expose minors to inappropriate content or unwanted contact with strangers.

A Note on Less-Used or Phased-Out Apps

Some apps that raised concerns in previous years, such as Kik, Ask.fm, Omegle, MeetMe, and Hot or Not, are now far less popular among children and teens or have been phased out. While these platforms may no longer be widely used, they can still exist in limited form or reappear under new names. This underscores the importance of regularly reviewing your child’s device and staying informed as technology evolves.

How Parents Can Help Keep Kids Safe Online

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in online safety. Consider these proactive steps:

• Have ongoing conversations about online behavior and digital risks
• Know which apps your child is using and why
• Set clear rules for screen time and app downloads
• Enable parental controls and review privacy settings
• Remind children never to share personal information online
• Encourage kids to report anything that makes them uncomfortable

Important Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational and awareness purposes only. It is not intended to criticize or discourage the use of any specific app, brand, or developer. Many platforms continue to improve safety tools and protections. Parental involvement, communication, and supervision remain the most effective ways to reduce online risks.

Trusted Government Resources for Online Safety

For additional guidance and reporting tools, parents are encouraged to visit these official resources:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – https://www.consumer.ftc.gov

FBI – Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – https://www.ic3.gov

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – https://www.justice.gov

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) – https://www.missingkids.org

USA.gov – Online Safety for Kids – https://www.usa.gov

If you have any questions about how to keep your child safe online, please contact our office at 407-348-2222.