Operation Firewall NA26018cm

WHAT:
News Conference

WHEN:
Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Los Angeles Police Headquarters Facility, Compstat Room
100 West 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

WHO:
Chief of Police Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles Police Department
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman
Central District United States Attorney Bill Essayli
Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang, Homeland Security Investigations
Sheriff Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff’s Department
Chief of Police Rafael Quintero, Burbank Police Department
Chief of Police Manuel Arana, South Gate Police Department
Chief of Police Roy Nakamura, Arcadia Police Department
Chief of Police Wally Hebeish, Long Beach Police Department
Chief James Harden, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Representatives from: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Probation, San Bernardino Police Department, Long Beach Police Department, Redlands Police Department, West Covina Police Department, Arcadia Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Ontario Police Department, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department, Downey Police Department, University of Southern California

WHY:
The Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes against Children Task Force conducted a proactive investigation, Operation Firewall, during the weeks of April 19, 2026, through May 03, 2026. The operation was executed throughout five counties in Southern California, which involved 112 affiliate law enforcement agencies.

The purpose of this news conference is to highlight the 341 arrests and 40 child rescues/identifications resulting from Operation Firewall, while also providing the community with valuable internet safety education and prevention resources aimed at protecting children from online exploitation.

CONTACT:
For inquiries, please contact Media Relations Division at (213) 486-5910.