Authorities dispute trafficking concerns over cryptic ‘HELP’ signs in LA lot

[KENNEDY FELTON]

Cryptic ‘Help’ Signs in Los Angeles Lot Raise Trafficking Concerns Among Social Media Users

“LOOK UNDER YOU!” “OH MY GOD”

Alarming signs are appearing in a Los Angeles shipping container yard—cryptic messages scrawled across different surfaces reading “HELP.”

The unsettling discovery first gained attention when people noticed screenshots of the site on Google satellite imagery. Among the messages, the word “HELP” is spelled out using large pipes and old pieces of wood.

The coordinates also reveal the words “FEDERAL,” “LAPD” (for Los Angeles Police Department), and “TRAFICO” (the Spanish word for “traffic”).

Nearby, two more words emerge in the dirt—“FBI” and “TERRORISMO” (the Spanish word for “terrorism”).

E-sports and entertainment organization ‘FaZe Clan’ visited the site to investigate, taking viewers along with them in a Twitch live stream. Their visit took a dramatic turn when they encountered a few roadblocks, one being guard dogs chasing them through the area.

“THERE’S DOGS. THERE’S DOGS. THERE’S DOGS.”

They also attempted to interview a few people at the encampment when they were quickly sent away.

“GET OUT?” “HE SAID GET OUT?” “HE SAID GET OUT.”

But one individual who did get the opportunity to talk with a few individuals—an “X” user by the name of “LA Guy.”

“EVERYBODY WANTS TO KNOW WHY THERE’S THE HELP SIGNS. DO YOU SEE ALL THOSE SIGNS?” “ONE GUY ALWAYS PUTS THAT.” “IS THAT GUY’S NAME JOSE?” “YES”

In response to this video, the Central Division of the Los Angeles Police Department posted on “X” Monday morning:

“We’ve had several different contacts with the individual you speak of. He has refused housing or a mental health evaluation. There is no evidence of Human Trafficking. He has been at the location for a few years.”

The location they mention is owned by Union Pacific. In a statement to Straight Arrow News, they said:

“Photos circulating on Google maps that show the word “help” on Union Pacific property were created about a year ago – no one was or is in danger. A man trespassed on Union Pacific and other nearby properties to repeatedly create these misleading messages. We want to remind the public that it is illegal – and more importantly unsafe – to trespass on Union Pacific property.”

But these images originally raised concern among social media users, particularly in light of the high rates of sex trafficking crimes in L.A.

The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking reports that approximately 20 percent of homeless youth in California have experienced trafficking in 2018, with 14 percent subjected to sex trafficking. The Department of Justice says in that same year, California reported more than 1,200 cases involving sex trafficking.

While some social media users express their concerns, others speculate the size and visibility of the materials used to create these signs at different locations suggest they may not be genuine cries for help, as such visible displays could endanger someone legitimately seeking assistance.