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Look Out for Human Trafficking Indicators with Help from Blue Campaign
Did you know that recognizing indicators of human trafficking is the first step in a course of actions that can help save a life? When you are informed about what sex trafficking and forced labor can look like, you are empowered to identify potential victims. Once you observe suspected human trafficking, you should report what you see to local authorities, the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line (1-866-347-2423), or the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888).
Human trafficking can present itself in many forms, and some red flags are more obvious than others. Blue Campaign offers a variety of resources to help you learn about the proper indicators:
Blue Campaign resources are available in multiple languages and available for free download and order. For more information, visit bit.ly/3LOjO53.
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CCHT Hosts First Annual Seminar
In May, the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) hosted its first annual Human Trafficking Seminar — a two-day training for U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel and leadership who are part of the Department’s mission to end human trafficking. The virtual event was attended by nearly 600 DHS investigators, officers, program managers, analysts, victim assistance specialists, and attorneys, among others. With nearly every agency within DHS involved in combating human trafficking, the seminar served as an opportunity to cross-train, stay on the cutting edge, and share evidenced-based promising practices.
“This seminar provided a unique forum where DHS employees could hone their ability to recognize and respond to human trafficking, and to learn more about other DHS organizations and personnel who are working on the forefront of combating human trafficking,” said CCHT Director Cardell T. Morant. “This is a key example of the CCHT at work. We continue to advance employee knowledge and promote proven techniques in support of the counter-trafficking field, while furthering the Department's overarching strategy to combat these crimes.”
This event kicked off with an overview of the CCHT and a panel discussion on each agency’s role in countering human trafficking, followed by a conversation on the victim-centered approach. The second day focused on forced labor, including domestic labor trafficking, prohibiting the importation of goods produced with forced labor abroad, and preventing human trafficking in DHS contracts and acquisitions. Throughout the training, subject matter experts from across the Department, as well as professional experts outside of government, presented a wide range of perspectives and discussed critical questions, challenges, and ways forward.
The Center plans to host this internal training every year for DHS personnel.
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BLI Trains First-Line Points of Contact in Trinidad and Tobago’s Aviation and Hospitality Industries
Last month, Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI) representatives provided two days of virtual human trafficking awareness training to first-line members of Trinidad and Tobago’s aviation and hospitality industries, as well as law enforcement officials. As part of a joint effort with BLI and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, these sessions trained nearly 200 Trinbagonian personnel. Attendees were given an overview of human trafficking, tips for how to recognize and report potential human trafficking situations, and heard from a survivor of human trafficking about what the crime can look like in aviation settings.
Learn more about BLI and how to become a partner.
ICE HSI Washington, DC teams up with the Virginia State Police to launch “Operation Safe Passage” to detect, deter, and raise awareness of human trafficking (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. partnered with the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Trucking Association to detect, deter, and raise awareness of the growing problem of human trafficking. Operation Safe Passage, a high‐visibility, human trafficking prevention and public outreach initiative, was conducted mid-April through April 20. Throughout the operation, Virginia State Police Motor Carrier Safety Troopers were positioned at various truck stops, motor carrier service centers, and rest areas across the Commonwealth to engage with drivers and to distribute educational materials to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Federal consumer protection agency proposes rule to help survivors of human trafficking (Idaho Capital Sun)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced a new rule to help survivors of human trafficking achieve financial independence, according to a press release. The proposed rule would prevent consumer reporting agencies from including negative information that occurred during the survivor’s abuse, including crimes related to financial abuse and debt bondage.
DOJ: Florida woman took Mexican workers' passports to force them into physical labor (WTSP)
A Florida woman has pleaded guilty to a federal racketeering conspiracy for subjecting Mexican workers to thousands of hours of forced labor through coercive tactics for financial gain, according to the Department of Justice. A release from the DOJ explains that 43-year-old Christina Gamez worked as a bookkeeper, manager, and supervisor for Los Villatoros Harvesting (LVH), a labor contracting company employing Mexican H-2A temporary visa recipients harvesting fruits and vegetables in several states, including Florida.
Tag Blue Campaign on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using @DHSBlueCampaign. Each month we share content you can distribute on your social channels to raise awareness of human trafficking in your community.
- Did You Know?: Signs of physical abuse are just one red flag indicator of #HumanTrafficking. Learn about others from @DHSBlueCampaign: bit.ly/3xv8Pb4
- #HumanTrafficking can happen in any community. Visit the @DHSBlueCampaign website to learn how you can help protect victims and prevent the crime: bit.ly/3xqVaSg
- Myth: #HumanTrafficking is only sex trafficking. Forced labor is another type of human trafficking. Find out about more common myths and misconceptions from @DHSBlueCampaign: bit.ly/3zyXpW3
- Teens: Learn how to be safe online and protect yourself from people who may be trying to take advantage of you: bit.ly/3Frwc8P @DHSBlueCampaign #EndTrafficking
For more information visit the Blue Campaign
To report suspected human trafficking: 1-866-347-2423
To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)
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