Prostitutes El Cajon

Historic Problem Area

El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego has long faced issues with prostitution. This area developed an unsavory reputation as a hotspot over decades. Street prostitution became visible, particularly in the latter part of the 20th century. Residents and visitors report encounters. One review for the Rodeway Inn El Cajon warned, Go literally half a block in the opposite direction and you’ll find hookers, pimps, and drug addicts on the corner. Another reviewer called the hotel frightening and unsafe, noting many prostitutes and suspected pimps staying there. They advised staying at your own risk.

Enforcement Operations

Law enforcement regularly targets the problem. The El Cajon Police Department conducts undercover operations. One such operation in January 2010 resulted in five women arrested on prostitution charges. Another sting in 2023 saw 30 men arrested for solicitation. Police say these operations focus on men soliciting acts from women on city streets. Efforts to combat the problem have seen mixed results. A neighborhood war on hookers along El Cajon Blvd was noted to be paying off in 2023. The city has also looked at cracking down on hotels linked to criminal activity, especially after a sexual assault involving registered sex offenders.

Community Impact and Connections

Community members express frustration. Homeless camps in the area are described as cesspools for drugs and sex trafficking. Business owners in neighborhoods like Barrio Logan report increased prostitution blocking roads. Nearby residents complain about prostitutes operating in plain sight, sometimes with pimps nearby. The activity connects to broader issues. Authorities link it to human trafficking concerns. One 2025 report highlighted an El Cajon man convicted of trying to traffic a 14-year-old. Homelessness and drug addiction are frequently mentioned alongside the prostitution.

*TAGS* – undercover sting operations, street-level solicitation, human trafficking concerns