The Blade - a 50-block corridor in South Los Angeles

A roughly 50-block stretch of road in South Los Angeles, known on the streets as "The Blade," has become a political flashpoint in California's 2026 gubernatorial race, as allegations of open prostitution and human trafficking send shockwaves through the public.

This corridor spans 3–4 miles along South Figueroa Street, from Imperial Highway to Gage Avenue. By day, the area appears as a dilapidated commercial strip with motels, liquor stores, and auto repair shops. By night, according to anti-trafficking outreach groups, it transforms into an open-air sex market with overt pimping and sexual exploitation activities.

Campaign Focus

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has made "The Blade" a central focus of his campaign, criticizing the Sacramento administration and Governor Gavin Newsom before he leaves office due to term limits. An Emerson College poll last week recorded Hilton leading the primary field with 17% support among potential voters.

Volunteer groups report that many victims are lured through social media with promises of money or housing, then controlled, coerced, and constantly moved between sidewalks, cars, and motels to avoid detection. If they suspect a victim can be identified, they immediately notify the police, but the "window for intervention" is very short.

Policy Debate

The policy debate centers on Senate Bill 357 of 2022, proposed by State Senator Scott Wiener, which repealed the crime of loitering with intent to commit prostitution. Wiener argued the old law harmed human trafficking victims; the Los Angeles Police Protective League opposed it, claiming the change facilitated pimping. Subsequently, lawmakers pushed AB 379 to target buyers rather than sellers.

Increased Prosecution

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, led by District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, has recently stepped up prosecutions for human trafficking and solicitation for prostitution. A defendant in a prominent case this month pleaded guilty to human trafficking of both adults and minors for commercial sexual exploitation.

State Treasurer candidate David Serpa argues that market demand drives the entire system. Hilton describes "The Blade" as proof of a breakdown in governance and vows to take action if elected.

Local authorities continue to coordinate with law enforcement and support organizations to address human trafficking in the area.