|
Spring Into Action: Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and it serves as an important reminder of the urgent need to protect youth from both abuse and exploitation. You can play a key role in protecting children against human trafficking by uniting with the Blue Campaign and downloading educational materials, reporting suspicious activity, and sharing cautionary information with the young people in your life and community.
Visit our youth and human trafficking page to learn how you can help stop human trafficking and provide a safer community for us all.
Blue Campaign also offers student and youth leader resources that provide tips for how to talk to children and teens about this threat.
One Step Can Make a Difference
Children and teens are vulnerable to exploitation by human traffickers, especially if they lack social safety nets. In an actual case out of Oxon Hill, Maryland, a 12-year-old girl, ran away from home, met a man at a party and sought his help to find a place to stay. Tragically, this man was a trafficker, and a long-time member of a gang. By the very next day, the minor victim was held captive and forced into the commercial sex trade for over three months.
Thankfully, she was eventually recovered by the authorities. Her story is a powerful reminder of how much of a difference we can make by staying aware and reporting potential warning signs of trafficking when we see them.
Trafficked Youth: How to Spot the Signs
Human trafficking can happen to anyone. While the signs may not be obvious, they can be better identified when you are aware of what to look for. Here are some indicators to be on the lookout for in children:
- Do they appear disconnected from others and show signs of mental or physical abuse?
- Have they stopped attending school?
- Do they appear to be coached on what to say?
- Do they have freedom of movement? Can they freely leave where they live?
- Have they had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
Share these signs with the young people in your community to ensure they can remain vigilant against suspicious behaviors—both for themselves and others around them.
You can report human trafficking by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Interested in learning more? Blue Campaign offers additional information on impactful ways you can take action.
An Heirloom Bracelet Returned, and Justice Served: HSI Charlotte Brings Closure in Forced Labor Case
A victim of forced labor received her family heirloom—a diamond bracelet—back in her hands for the first time in years, thanks to the work of HSI Charlotte. The victim’s former employer stole the bracelet and used it as collateral on a fraudulent debt contract the victim was forced to sign, claiming she owed $180,000.
The recovery and return of the bracelet marked a significant moment of closure in a years-long investigation and prosecution led by ICE HSI Charlotte. The case resulted in the federal conviction of Thuy Tien Thuy Luong, the owner of a nail salon in Davidson, North Carolina, for forced labor.
In June 2018, ICE HSI Charlotte and the Davidson Police Department began investigating reports of abuse at Luxury Nails Salon. One of the employees, a Vietnamese woman, came forward to say she was being physically assaulted by Luong and held under a false debt contract. She showed visible signs of repeated physical abuse and was too afraid to leave the job, fearing more mistreatment.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at the salon, where they found a contract stating the woman owed Luong $180,000. Luong admitted to forcing the victim to sign.
The victim’s bracelet—stolen by Luong—was recovered during the investigation and held as evidence. With the help of the DOJ’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the property was recently cleared and returned without delay.
“The defendant in this case stole the bracelet and used it as leverage to control the victim,” said Special Agent Kelly Harrison who led the case. “It was an honor to investigate this case and to return this property to the victim.”
In January 2021, Luong was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for forced labor. In January 2025, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed her conviction but ordered the case to be re-sentenced, noting the trial court had not applied certain aggravating factors at the initial sentencing.
This case is a reminder that forced labor can happen in any setting—and that through persistence and collaboration, justice and dignity can be restored.
|
Welcome Dr. Tasha Reid Hippolyte: CCHT’s New Acting Deputy Assistant Director
The DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking recently welcomed Dr. Tasha Reid Hippolyte as the Center’s new acting Deputy Assistant Director. A dynamic and seasoned leader within DHS, acting DAD Hippolyte brings a wealth of experience, vision, and commitment to HSI and the Center’s mission of combating human trafficking and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
(A)DAD Hippolyte is known for her strategic foresight and ability to bring clarity and direction to complex challenges—a quality that has served her well across multiple leadership roles at DHS.
With nearly two decades of federal service, (A)DAD Hippolyte has built a reputation for excellence in strategic leadership, most recently in her role as Deputy Assistant Director of HSI’s Office of Administrative Operations. Her prior assignments include Deputy Assistant Secretary for DHS Policy’s Office of Trade and Economic Security and chief of staff for CBP’s Office of Field Operations. With her extensive experience in leadership roles, Dr. Hippolyte brings valuable expertise in trade policy, security, and operations.
In her new role, (A)DAD Hippolyte will help drive the CCHT’s operational priorities, shape interagency coordination, and advance strategic initiatives across DHS and the U.S. government. In addition, she will support the Center’s work across key areas including interagency initiatives, training and outreach programs, and the Blue Campaign.
|
|
