The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has taken a significant step toward combating human trafficking by approving a motion to study the feasibility of establishing a dedicated prevention unit.

Under this plan, the county CEO, Office of Immigrant Affairs, District Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (LARHTTF), and other agencies have 120 days to provide recommendations on how to structure and house this new body within the Department of Public Health.

The study will examine staffing, funding, and coordination with existing county-led initiatives such as the LARHTTF, the Wage Theft Task Force, and the County Child Trafficking Steering Committee. The goal is to streamline efforts and improve collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies that support vulnerable communities.

Additionally, the county is launching a separate study to explore the possibility of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) leading data collection efforts. This report, due in 120 days, will identify ways to enhance data-sharing among agencies, seek funding opportunities, and ensure the privacy of victims—especially undocumented individuals.

Supervisor Hilda Solis, who co-authored the motion with Lindsey Horvath, emphasized that January was National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, making this the right time to push for a more proactive and systematic approach.

“Human trafficking disproportionately affects our most vulnerable populations,” Solis said. “We must ensure that fear and uncertainty, particularly in immigrant communities, don’t prevent victims from seeking help.”

Board Chair Kathryn Barger reaffirmed the county’s commitment, highlighting that LA County has long been involved in anti-trafficking efforts. Programs like STAR and DREAM courts have already been established to provide interventions for youth trafficking victims.

However, concerns remain over data privacy and potential risks to undocumented individuals. Supervisor Janice Hahn questioned how sensitive data would be safeguarded amid ongoing ICE raids. In response, Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer assured that only essential data would be collected to protect victims.

Why This Matters

Human trafficking is an ongoing crisis in Los Angeles County, which serves as a major hub for both labor and sex trafficking due to its large population, economic disparities, and proximity to international borders. The establishment of a countywide prevention unit could lead to:

✅ Better Coordination: By integrating existing efforts under a single entity, LA County can more effectively prevent trafficking, support victims, and prosecute traffickers.

✅ Stronger Data Collection: A dedicated unit could create a centralized, secure database, improving the ability to track trends, identify risk factors, and target resources more effectively.

✅ Increased Support for Victims: Many trafficking victims, especially those from undocumented or marginalized backgrounds, fear reporting crimes due to potential deportation or retaliation. A county-led approach focused on public health rather than law enforcement could help build trust and encourage victims to seek help.

✅ A More Proactive Approach: Rather than simply reacting to trafficking cases, a specialized prevention unit could focus on awareness campaigns, training programs, and community outreach to stop trafficking before it happens.

With trafficking continuing to be a local and global crisis, LA County’s decision to explore this initiative is a critical step toward protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring that justice reaches those who exploit others.