17-year-old girl trafficked into the US from Mexico rescued after texting 911

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. — Authorities rescued a 17-year-old girl who was trafficked into the U.S. about two months ago after she texted 911 for help, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

The girl, who was not identified, began texting with a call taker at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Communication Center around 3 a.m. on May 9. In Spanish, she said that she did not know where she was, though she was able to describe landmarks that led investigators to the Casitas Springs area.

Deputies found the girl about 20 minutes after they began their search. Authorities said she was evaluated and placed under the care of Ventura County Child Family Services until she could be reunited with her family.