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The monthly Newsletter of the Center for Countering Human Trafficking
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At the Center
Last month, the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) hosted a quarterly roundtable with human trafficking lived experience experts to discuss ways to build trust with survivors of trafficking through trauma-informed care.
The panel, hosted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas in Irving, Texas, was moderated by CCHT Unit Chief for Sex Trafficking Investigations Owen Tims. It included four lived experience experts in human trafficking who spoke about their experiences with law enforcement officers and how those experiences shaped their perceptions of law enforcement as victims of human trafficking. Each lived experience expert made recommendations on changes that would improve interactions with law enforcement.
The CCHT hosts quarterly discussions with lived experience experts as part of an ongoing effort to ensure victim-centered practices in human trafficking investigations.
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Blue Campaign Corner
Stand United with Blue Campaign to Protect Pride This June
According to the Polaris Project, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ can be especially vulnerable to human trafficking partially due to lack of resources and discrimination. This June, stand with Blue Campaign by celebrating #PrideMonth and protecting the LGBTQIA+ community from the scourge of human trafficking in all forms. The following resources aim to educate LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies about the heinous crime and empower individuals and advocates to report suspected cases:
When we work together to combat human trafficking, we make our world a safer place for all. Follow Blue Campaign (@DHSBlueCampaign on X, Facebook, and Instagram) for more information.
Human Trafficking Awareness Resources for Summer Travelers
Though human trafficking does not require movement of a person, traffickers often exploit America’s transportation infrastructure to perpetrate their crimes. That means human trafficking is often facilitated through airports, bus stations, and travel centers. It also happens at other places travelers may encounter during their summer road trips, like truck stops, RV or camping parks, and rest areas. Before you hit the road, check out Blue Campaign’s human trafficking awareness resources for summer travelers. Being informed could make all the difference.
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Component Spotlight: USCIS
As the DHS agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for upholding a fair and respectful immigration system. One of the many ways USCIS accomplishes its mission is by protecting those victimized by crimes like human trafficking. Traffickers often take advantage of a lack of immigration status to exploit and control victims who may be fearful of working with law enforcement. USCIS offers immigration relief to eligible survivors in two forms: T and U visas. T visas, which were recently strengthened, are designed for victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons. U visas are for victims of certain qualifying criminal activities, including human trafficking and involuntary servitude.
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HSI Detroit-led Operation Results in Arrests of Three Child Predators, Identification of at Least 15 Victims of Human Trafficking
In late April, HSI Detroit along with the Taylor, Michigan Police Department and other state, local, and federal partners conducted an operation aimed at catching child predators and identifying possible victims of trafficking.
The four-day operation led to the arrest of three men who were charged with crimes involving the sexual abuse of children. At least 15 adult victims of human trafficking were also identified.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team effort for this operation,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “Not only were these teams able to identify and provide victims with services, but they were also able to take some dangerous alleged predators off the streets of Southeastern Michigan. These partnerships should serve as an example to the communities we serve of the impactful work we can accomplish when law enforcement works together on every level.”
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To report suspected human trafficking to federal law enforcement, call 1-866-347-2423.
To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).
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