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Putting a Stop to Human Trafficking in the United States

Human traffickers force victims into hard labor or sell them for sex. Worldwide, millions of women and children are part of this modern day slave trade. In this country, the border is of special concern, and that’s where authorities are working to build awareness. It’s a heartbreaking crime that crisscrosses the border.

“We may have an individual who’s in the United States illegally,” Diana Kirk with the El Paso Police Department said. “They’re being trafficked; they may be forced into prostitution.” Or sold into the sex trade back home in Mexico.

The El Paso Human Trafficking Task Force brought together a diverse group of partners: prosecutors, police, community and victim’s assistance groups to learn more, including warning signs.  “They won’t have any ID with them,” social worker Theresa Flores said. “They might not speak the language. They might be a child that’s out very, very late at night.”

The first time Flores attended a conference like this one, the Ohio social worker came to a painful realization about her sexual abuse as a teen. Now the survivor from a middle class family is speaking out and dispelling myths.

“I was targeted by traffickers and was threatened and coerced and forced into sexual slavery for 2 years,” she said. Experts call it a crime that hides in plain sight.

The community is the first line of defense: a simple tip from a neighbor, teachers or anyone who suspects something can lead authorities to traffickers and their captives — captives from across the border or across the street

Adapted from: Angela Kocherga, "Putting a stop to human trafficking." Khou.com. 3 December 2007.