Over 30 Missing Teens Rescued in Riverside County Anti-Trafficking Operation

Riverside County Sheriff says operation located over 50 missing children, with 37 safely recovered

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:19pm

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Riverside County authorities rescued 37 missing children between the ages of 14 and 17 through a week-long anti-human trafficking operation. The operation, called Operation Safe Return, located teens in Riverside County as well as Northern California, Nevada and Arizona. Some of the rescued teens had become victims of child sex trafficking and sexual assault. The operation led to seven arrests, including one person arrested by Homeland Security for alleged child sex trafficking.

Why it matters

Human trafficking, especially of minors, is a major problem in California that often goes undetected. This operation highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies to locate and rescue vulnerable children who have gone missing, many of whom end up exploited by sex traffickers.

The details

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department, working with federal and local law enforcement agencies including the LAPD and California Highway Patrol, were able to locate and safely recover 37 of the over 50 missing children identified during the operation. Some of the rescued teens had become victims of child sex trafficking and sexual assault. Seven arrests were made, including one by Homeland Security for alleged child sex trafficking.

  • The week-long anti-human trafficking operation took place in March 2026.

The players

Chad Bianco

Riverside County Sheriff, who is running for California governor in November 2026.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that led Operation Safe Return, a week-long anti-human trafficking operation that rescued 37 missing children.

Homeland Security

A federal law enforcement agency that assisted in the operation and made one arrest for alleged child sex trafficking.

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What they’re saying

“Our sex trafficking is through hotels events and apps online. All of the kids had something to do with Riverside County.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff (NBC Los Angeles)

“We want license plate numbers, descriptions and pictures. And we follow up on every lead because you never know what we are going to find.”

— Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff (NBC Los Angeles)

What’s next

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department says each rescued child will receive victim advocacy services, medical support and follow-up resources to aid in their recovery.

The takeaway

This operation demonstrates the critical need for law enforcement collaboration to combat the growing problem of human trafficking, especially of vulnerable minors. The public can also play a key role by reporting any suspicious activity to authorities.