Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has been accused of waging a gentrification war on South LA’s Figueroa Corridor under the guise of combating sex trafficking. Using an outdated law, The Red Light Abatement Act, Soto has targeted immigrant-owned motels in the area, with a task force including the Department of Homeland Security. This has led to increased surveillance and raids, affecting an already over-policed neighborhood.
The Act holds property owners responsible for vice crimes on their premises, leading to discrimination against sex workers and unsafe working conditions. Critics argue that the focus on shutting down businesses may be linked to pre-Olympic gentrification plans, rather than addressing sex trafficking effectively.
Soto’s actions have drawn concerns from sex workers and advocates who question the impact of increased law enforcement on marginalized communities. The intersection of anti-trafficking efforts with real estate interests has raised suspicions about the true motives behind the crackdown. As the debate continues, issues of safety, discrimination, and the rights of sex workers remain at the forefront.
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