Executive Summary
- Manteca Police identified the city’s location between Highways 99 and 120 as a key corridor for human trafficking.
- Regional data indicates approximately 400 survivors and 150 arrests related to trafficking in the last year.
- Experts warned that traffickers utilize social media platforms to groom victims, including children.
- Authorities urged residents to report suspicious behavior to local police or protective services immediately.
MANTECA, Calif. — The Manteca Police Department, in partnership with victim advocacy groups, convened a town hall meeting on Thursday to address the prevalence of human trafficking in the Central Valley, highlighting the city’s geographic location as a significant factor in the regional illicit trade.
During the event, held during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, law enforcement officials and experts described human trafficking as “modern-day slavery” affecting victims of all ages. Manteca Police Chief Stephen Schluer identified the city’s position between Highway 99 and Highway 120 as a logistical vulnerability. Chief Schluer described the area as a “hub track” facilitating movement between Sacramento, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Reno, and Seattle.
“Criminals, pimps, madams, human traffickers, all synonymous, can sell kids for sex in the United States by mobilizing and moving them around,” stated Dr. Troy Stein, founder and CEO of Stop Human Trafficking. “That’s why it’s called trafficking. They’re moving product for sale. And they often do that on the freeway systems.”
Officials provided data indicating the scope of the issue within the region. According to Chief Schluer, there were approximately 400 survivors identified and nearly 150 arrests of traffickers in the area over the last year. The U.S. Department of Justice currently classifies human trafficking as the world’s second-most profitable criminal enterprise, trailing only drug trafficking.
Representatives from Prevail, a non-profit organization providing support to victims, emphasized that trafficking occurs across all demographics. “It happens everywhere,” said Karla Garcia, a commercial sexual exploitation of children advocate for Prevail. “It happens in our homes, in our communities, and it’s not just something that you see in undeveloped countries.” Yvonne Ochoa, an outreach program manager for Prevail, noted that between July 2024 and July 2025, the organization served approximately 200 youth.
Residents attending the town hall expressed concern regarding the methods used by traffickers to target victims, particularly minors. “I think we learned a lot about how they groom them on different social media platforms, which is scary because they’re always on their phones or their tablets,” said attendee Badre Grigsby.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Police advised residents to contact Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, or Child Protective Services if they suspect trafficking is occurring. Chief Schluer emphasized the importance of community reporting, stating that officers would prefer to investigate a false alarm than miss an actual crime.
Public Safety and Community Awareness
The town hall underscores the critical role of public awareness in combating human trafficking, particularly in transit-heavy corridors like the Central Valley. By educating residents on the signs of grooming and exploitation—such as behavioral changes or unexplained clothing—law enforcement aims to disrupt the demand side of the enterprise while providing necessary resources for survivors. While statistics regarding arrests highlight active enforcement efforts, it is important to note that all individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
