California human trafficking bust follows single tip

Authorities said a week-long operation in California, prompted by a single tip, rescued nearly 20 children and resulted in about 611 arrests statewide; prosecutors are now reviewing cases tied to the operation.

Law enforcement in California announced a week-long operation that began after a single citizen tip and recovered nearly 20 children, authorities said. The effort, called Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, followed months of surveillance and involved dozens of agencies. Officials said the operation uncovered residential brothels in suburban neighborhoods and led to about 611 arrests across the state. Prosecutors are processing cases tied to the arrests and agencies said they will continue monitoring known trafficking corridors. Key facts: - A citizen tip about a suspicious home in Walnut prompted months of surveillance and later a week-long operation, officials said. - The operation, named Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, involved dozens of law enforcement agencies working across suburban locations. - Authorities reported about 611 arrests statewide and the rescue of nearly 20 children, with 12 adults and five children rescued in Los Angeles County. - Prosecutors are reviewing cases connected to the arrests, and law enforcement said it will continue monitoring known trafficking corridors. Summary: A single community report prompted a coordinated, multi-agency investigation that authorities say produced arrests and the rescue of children. Prosecutors are now processing the related cases and agencies reported they will continue monitoring areas identified during the operation.