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The monthly Newsletter of the Center for Countering Human Trafficking
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At the Center
CCHT Director Joins DHS Secretary Mayorkas to Discuss Initiatives to Combat Forced Labor
In early July, Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) Director James C. Harris joined Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas for a fireside chat at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. Secretary Mayorkas discussed efforts across the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen enforcement of, and support compliance with, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The UFLPA aims to prevent goods made by the forced labor of Uyghurs from the Xinjiang province of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from entering the U.S. marketplace, and it reflects a multi-pronged approach to enforce customs laws, support economic fairness, and safeguard human rights. Secretary Mayorkas also introduced the Department's newest initiative to work with other nations to eliminate goods produced by forced labor from the global economy. While many instances of forced labor are happening in Xinjiang, reports indicate that Uyghurs have also been transported to other provinces to work, further increasing the number of goods produced using forced labor. To address this problem, the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF), led by DHS, has designated new high priority sectors for enforcement, such as aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and seafood. Identifying these entities increases transparency on the presence of forced labor in supply chains and holds those entities accountable for eliminating the scourge of forced labor.
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Blue Campaign Corner
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: Thank You for Making Time to Take Action
DHS’s Blue Campaign would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who participated in its Human Trafficking 101 webinars, “Time to Take Action: How to Recognize and Report Human Trafficking,” on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This year was the 10th anniversary of the global day, and Blue Campaign amplified the importance of being able to identify and report indicators of this crime. The webinars were attended by 893 registrants. To those who attended, as well as those who championed the mission of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: Thank you!
Don’t Go Back to School Without Blue Campaign’s Resources for Youth
It’s August, and that means students and educators across America are returning to the classroom. As the #BackToSchool season comes into session, it’s important to keep in mind that young people can be uniquely susceptible to #HumanTrafficking. Fortunately, well-informed teachers, campus officials, school resource officers, parents, and others who interact with youth play an important role in keeping young people safe. That is why Blue Campaign has compiled a portfolio of resources for young people, adults working with youth, and campus law enforcement professionals. Protect the young people in your life by familiarizing yourself with the following materials:
All Blue Campaign materials are available for free download at go.dhs.gov/Z8c.
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Familial Trafficking: What You Need to Know
One of the most prominent misconceptions about human trafficking is that traffickers only target strangers. The truth is familial human trafficking likely accounts for more than a third of reported cases in the United States — this according to a report by the Polaris Project. Familial trafficking is defined by a situation in which a family member or guardian facilitates a person’s trafficking (and exploits or is complicit in their abuse) for money, goods, services, or other exchange of value. This type of trafficking is at risk of going unnoticed because it often happens at home. The following resources can help law enforcement, educators, and other frontline professionals or caregivers recognize and respond to potential signs of familial trafficking situations:
Resources for Native Communities
August 9 was International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, a time for Blue Campaign to reaffirm its commitment to protecting Native communities. Native American and Alaskan Native populations are disproportionately impacted by the crime of human trafficking. Accordingly, Blue Campaign has developed a multitude of resources and forged strong partnerships within the indigenous and tribal communities. Visit go.dhs.gov/3oo to learn more.
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HSI Newark Investigation Results in 25-year Sentence for Sex Trafficker
A joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Newark resulted in a 25-year sentence for a New Jersey man who coerced and induced female victims to travel and engage in commercial sex.
According to the investigation, Jose Torres, 46, persuaded, induced, and enticed female victims to travel from out of state locations, including Canada and New York, to engage in commercial sex. Torres trolled prostitution websites and targeted out-of-state sex workers, luring them to New Jersey with promises of large payment. Once the women were in New Jersey, he refused to pay them. When the victims asked for payment, Torres became aggressive, often assaulting and raping them.
“The sentencing of Jose Torres represents the culmination of an intense federal investigation into Torres’ illicit human trafficking scheme and the bravery of the victims who came forward to testify,” said HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker. “Our partnership with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s office resolved to hold this criminal accountable for the trauma he inflicted on the women he extorted for his own depraved sexual gratification. Survivors of sexual exploitation uncovered during this case are finally afforded a measure of justice knowing Torres will serve a lengthy prison term.”
More details on the investigation can be found in the HSI press release.
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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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