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Honor Native American Heritage. End Human Trafficking.
Native communities are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking. November is Native American Heritage Month, and part of Blue Campaign’s mission is shedding light on the very real threats of human trafficking in Tribal and Indigenous populations. For information on what human trafficking is, what it looks like, and how you can protect yourself and others from the crime, check out Blue Campaign’s awareness resources:
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#WearBlueDay Is 50 Days Away
There is still plenty of time to mark your calendars for #WearBlueDay. As of November 22, there will be 50 days remaining until National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11, 2024. Want to get involved? Blue Campaign encourages the public to wear a blue item of clothing and post a photo using the #WearBlueDay hashtag on social media. It doesn’t matter if it’s a selfie, group photo, or video — just be sure to wear blue and invite others to do the same!
Follow Blue Campaign on social media (@DHSBlueCampaign on X, Facebook, and Instagram) and stay tuned for our upcoming newsletters where we will share updates on what’s happening in January.
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CCHT Director Participates in Interparliamentary Task Force on Human Trafficking
In late August, Cardell T. Morant, Director of the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT), participated in a Global Leader Summit on Human Trafficking in London. The event, hosted by the Interparliamentary Task Force on Human Trafficking and the Libertas Council, brought together legislators, lived experience experts, and decision-makers to address the question of how to increase the rate of victim identification around the world.
Director Morant participated in a panel discussion on victim identification through specialized units. Other topics of discussion included victim identification in schools, residential care, and health care environments. Speakers included current and former members of Parliament, government leaders, and survivors of human trafficking. More than 25 countries were represented at the event, including Sierra Leone’s First Lady H.E. Fatima Maada.
“Human trafficking is a global issue,” said Director Morant. “Events like this are a reminder that we have many allies in our fight to combat it. This summit was an invaluable opportunity share our Campaign, to talk about what we have in common with other countries, and to learn about methods our international partners are using to identify and assist more victims.”
In October, Director Morant also participated in a quarterly convening of the Interparliamentary Task Force, where he provided remarks on victim protection and forced labor in the supply chain.
For more information on the CCHT and its efforts to combat sex trafficking and labor trafficking, including forced labor in the supply chain, visit the CCHT page at DHS.gov.
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HSI Tampa, Ft. Myers Region Partners Launch Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation
In September, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced the launch of the Southwest Florida Inter-Agency Child Exploitation and Person Trafficking (SWFL INTERCEPT) Task Force. The task force reflects the partnership of HSI Tampa’s Ft. Myers office with Southwest Florida law enforcement leaders, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, and nongovernmental organizations Operation Light Shine and the Tim Tebow Foundation to enhance efforts in combating human trafficking.
The task force is a public–private partnership in which nongovernmental organizations provide much-needed resources for victims of human trafficking and child exploitation.
“With the success we have experienced in Jacksonville with the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, it made sense to extend this unique partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement with nonprofit organizations to continue to draw upon the resources and expertise of each member,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “This partnership demonstrates the dedication of everyone involved in combating human trafficking and child exploitation.”
Since SWFL INTERCEPT Task Force partners began working together earlier this year, authorities have arrested 25 people on charges related to child exploitation, sex trafficking, and prostitution. These investigations identified 37 victims, the youngest of whom was two years old.
All involved recognize the urgent need to address the grave issue of child exploitation and human trafficking. Operation Light Shine, supported by the Tim Tebow Foundation, has helped bridge the funding gap and bolster law enforcement efforts in the fight against these crimes. The group’s collaborative efforts will make a profound impact in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking.
In addition to HSI special agents, the SWFL INTERCEPT Task Force consists of members from the Collier, Lee, and Hendry County Sherrif’s Offices; the Naples, Marco Island, Cape Coral and Ft. Myers Police Departments; the State Attorney’s Office in the 20th Judicial Circuit; the Lee County Port Authority Police; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the U.S. Secret Service; and the U.S. Department of Justice’s South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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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