Not in My Community: Exploring the Hidden Human Trafficking Network in San Diego, California

Human trafficking is one of the most serious human rights issues of our time. Trafficking is widespread, profitable, and devastating in its impact. This thesis takes a closer look at the complex trafficking landscape in the United States, focusing specifically on San Diego County, California. As a region shaped by its proximity to the border, vibrant tourism industry, and active gang presence, San Diego offers a unique lens through which to understand how trafficking operates. San Diego’s geographic and demographic features are central to its role as a hotspot for both labor and sex trafficking. The thesis studies the broader history of human trafficking in the US and narrows in on how it has evolved in San Diego. It draws on legal documents, historical records, sociopolitical analysis, and empirical research to examine the different types of trafficking, the stages victims experience, and the systems traffickers use. This thesis also examines existing laws, public opinions, and governmental and non-governmental responses at international, national, and local levels, identifying key gaps in policy, data collection, and victim support and offering actionable recommendations to build more effective, victim-centered solutions. This thesis aims to show how understanding the local context is crucial for addressing trafficking and making real progress in the fight against it.