(ForEveryMom) A January human trafficking investigation conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department and more than two dozen partner agencies resulted in the rescue of 33 missing children earlier this month, according to a statement released by the FBI Friday.
“Operation Lost Angels,” first began on Jan. 11 and led investigators to 33 missing children between the ages of 13 and 17 in Southern California. Of those 33, eight had been sexually exploited.
In the press release, officials said two of the children were found multiple times at known locations for commercial sex trafficking. The recurring rescues highlight the “harmful cycle” of abuse that many victims find themselves entrapped in, as many endangered children are often forced or coerced back into sex trafficking even after being rescued. Many others may not even realize they’re being trafficked.