Long Beach Police Rescue Missing 14-Year-Old Trafficking Victim

Authorities tracked the teen to Los Angeles and reunited her with child welfare services.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Long Beach police quickly located and rescued a missing 14-year-old girl who may have been the victim of human trafficking. Officers tracked the teen to Los Angeles within hours of getting a report that she was missing, brought her back to Long Beach, and then turned her over to the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services so the agency could coordinate her return home.

Why it matters

Human trafficking, especially of minors, is an ongoing problem in the Long Beach and Los Angeles region. This case highlights the efforts of local law enforcement to respond quickly to reports of missing children and work with child welfare agencies to recover and support victims.

The details

According to a department statement, investigators received a report about the missing girl on Friday and found her in Los Angeles a few hours later. Police have released few details about why they suspect trafficking or whether anyone has been taken into custody. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services will oversee reunification and support services for the teen.

  • On Friday, police received a report about the missing 14-year-old girl.
  • A few hours later, police located the teen in Los Angeles.

The players

Long Beach Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that recovered the missing 14-year-old girl and is investigating the possible human trafficking case.

Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services

The agency that will coordinate the reunification and support services for the recovered 14-year-old trafficking victim.

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What they’re saying

“Human trafficking and the exploitation of children will never be tolerated.”

— Wally Hebeish, Long Beach Police Chief (MyNewsLA)

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to follow leads in the case to determine the full circumstances around the 14-year-old's disappearance and potential trafficking.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Long Beach and Los Angeles-area law enforcement to combat human trafficking, especially the exploitation of minors. It underscores the importance of quick response and coordination with child welfare services when a child goes missing under suspicious circumstances.