The San Diego Police Department will receive $1.5 million in state funding to expand its fight against human trafficking.
Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) secured the money from the 2026-2027 state budget, according to a press release from her office published Sept. 24. Boerner represents the 77th District, which encompasses Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Coronado and the coastal communities from La Jolla south to downtown San Diego.
The funds will support ongoing operations, logistics and equipment to identify human trafficking victims, according to the release.
Boerner said the money will fund targeted operations to hold traffickers accountable, identify victims and provide more resources to survivors, as Fox 5 reported.
"Every dollar will help our law enforcement save the lives of those affected by human trafficking and identify those predatory offenders exploiting our most vulnerable community members," Boerner said, according to her office's release.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the department plans to continue conducting targeted operations and equip investigators with the tools they need. Wahl warned that anyone preying on women faces a good chance of encountering a police officer "that is going to take you to jail and hold you accountable," according to Fox 5.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said the $1.5 million investment will strengthen the police department's ability to identify traffickers, hold them accountable and connect survivors with support.
"We will continue to send a clear message: San Diego stands with survivors and will hold those who seek to exploit others accountable," Gloria said, according to Boerner's office.
Gloria also referenced the funding on X on Thursday, Nov. 5, writing that the city had worked to strengthen state laws through AB 379 and was "bringing additional resources home to San Diego to continue that work."
The scope of the problem is wide. Fox 5 reported that San Diego is considered one of the top cities in America for human trafficking. Geanie Franco, a special agent and Human Trafficking Program manager with the California Department of Justice, told Fox 5 that victims are increasingly young. "Unfortunately, they are getting younger and younger, as young as 12," Franco said.
