July is one of the busiest months of the year for travel, as millions of Americans plan summer getaways by plane, train, or car. While you prepare for vacations near or far, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Human trafficking can happen anywhere, and traffickers and their victims may be moving through airports, train stations, rest stops, hotels, sporting events, or restaurants.
We can help protect ourselves and others when traveling this summer by understanding what human trafficking is and what the common signs are. Blue Campaign’s resources can help you learn more about human trafficking and how you can help if you witness something suspicious.
Be the Eyes and Ears of Our Highways, Trains, and Planes
Professionals in the transportation, hospitality, and tourism industries also have a role to play in the fight against human trafficking. As frontline employees who regularly interact with the greater public, your ability to recognize and report human trafficking while on the job can help protect your community.
Blue Campaign offers toolkits and trainings to educate industry professionals on how to spot the signs of someone in distress who may be trapped in a trafficking situation. We also partner with the Department of Transportation and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol on the Blue Lightning Initiative, a program that trains aviation personnel to identify and report potential trafficking situations to federal law enforcement.
End the Exploitation
July 30 marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a yearly reminder from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime that human trafficking impacts millions worldwide—and that we can end trafficking if we work together. This year’s theme, “Human Trafficking Is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation,” highlights the vital role of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in bringing traffickers to justice while supporting victims and survivors. Blue Campaign is proud to amplify this message and be a part of the mission to end human trafficking worldwide.
 15 Years of Fighting Human Trafficking Together
July also marks an important milestone for us—our anniversary! On July 22, we celebrate 15 years of combatting human trafficking through Blue Campaign. In the week leading up to the observance, we’re sharing 15 actions you can take to join us in the fight to end trafficking. Follow along with us on Instagram, Facebook, and X!
Texas Man Sentenced to Life for Child Sex Trafficking
A Jacksonville, Texas man has been sentenced to seven life terms in federal prison for sex trafficking minors. Desnique “Dez” Herndon, 28, was convicted in 2023 on six counts of sex trafficking of children and one count of conspiracy following a five-day jury trial.
Beginning in 2019, Herndon used social media to lure teenage girls with false promises of wealth, then exploited them in commercial sex operations across the Tyler area. He advertised them on sex trafficking websites and continued running his operation from jail through co-conspirators. Some victims were as young as 13.
“This life sentence reflects our resolve to protect communities and seek justice for victims,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “We remain committed to dismantling trafficking networks and supporting survivors.”
Three of Herndon’s co-conspirators have also been convicted. Malcolm Kadeem Roberts, 29, of Tyler, received more than 12 years in federal prison and 75 years in state prison. Tavarus D. Watkins, 29, of Jacksonville, was sentenced to 10 years. Patrick Lamont Cross, Jr., 28, of Palestine, will be (WAS) sentenced July 10.
The case was the result of a joint investigation led by HSI Tyler with assistance from HSI Dallas, the FBI, the Texas Department of Safety and other state and local partners.
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DHS Hosts Annual Human Trafficking Seminar in Conjunction with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
The Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking held its annual Human Trafficking Seminar this month, bringing together personnel from across the Department to share strategies, tools, and stories in the fight against trafficking. The timing of the seminar—coinciding with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons—made this year’s gathering especially meaningful.
Participants from every corner of DHS joined the two-day event, representing a diverse range of roles, from enforcement and policy to victim services, education, healthcare, and prevention. The seminar underscored a unifying theme: while our missions may differ, our purpose is shared—identifying harm, preventing exploitation, and responding with integrity and compassion.
The sessions highlighted the unique contributions each attendee brings to this work. Some serve on the front lines—investigating, listening, and protecting. Others drive policy, manage programs, analyze data, and ensure survivors have access to care and justice. Educators, support staff, and advocates keep the system running and amplify its reach. Together, these roles form a critical network of protection and prevention.
Throughout the seminar, participants explored the evolving landscape of human trafficking, examined case studies, and discussed survivor-informed strategies. Presenters emphasized that real impact begins with awareness, but is sustained through action—through early intervention, trusted partnerships, and meaningful collaboration.
A core message echoed across the sessions: no single person, agency, or program can solve trafficking alone. But by working together—across disciplines, jurisdictions, and roles—we can build a smarter, more resilient response. One that’s grounded in evidence, centered on survivors, and driven by a collective commitment to justice.
Attendees were encouraged to take what they learned—whether a new resource, a hard truth, or a fresh perspective—and bring it back to their teams and communities. The partnerships forged and strengthened this week will continue to drive progress beyond the seminar.
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