Tulare County proclaims January 2025 Human Trafficking Prevention Month and recognizes task force

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 approved a proclamation recognizing January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Tulare County and acknowledged the Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force for its multiagency efforts.

Supervisor McCarrie read the proclamation describing trafficking as a "serious and pervasive crime" and outlining the task force's victim‑centered, multidisciplinary approach. Carlos Mendoza, outreach coordinator for the Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force, accepted the recognition and thanked the board: "On behalf of the Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force, I am deeply honored to accept this recognition." He noted the task force includes the District Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Office, Probation, Health and Human Services Agency, multiple city police departments and Central California Family Crisis Center.

Tulare County officials and law‑enforcement partners described recent enforcement and outreach work. A prosecutor or district attorney speaker recounted a case in which a good Samaritan reported suspicious activity to the national human‑trafficking hotline and local partners conducted an investigation that led to criminal filings and victim assistance placements. "If you see something, say something," the speaker urged, stressing that prosecution is only one piece of a coordinated response and commending the county's Health and Human Services Agency for post‑arrest services.

The board and Task Force members gathered for photographs following the proclamation; supervisors thanked task force partners for outreach and education efforts to identify and support victims.