This past Labor Day, I found myself thinking about those individuals who have become victims of unjust labor practices across the country and around the world. Many people assume that human trafficking is not an issue in the United States, but they are wrong. Human trafficking is happening almost everywhere. I have listed the 34 US cities where human trafficking was reported last month at the end of this post. Do you live in or near any of the cities listed?
We have just started another season of both college football and the NFL. Whether you are supporting your team in person or from the comfort of your home, remember that large sporting events are prime targets for human traffickers.
In August, domestically, there were 152 individuals arrested, suspected, or charged with human trafficking activities, 34 victims under the age of 18 rescued as well as 28 adult victims rescued. There were five new laws passed and 25 community initiatives.
Internationally, there were 86 individuals arrested, suspected, or charged with human trafficking activity, 143 adult victims were rescued, and 88 children under the age of 18 were also rescued. There was one new law passed and five community initiatives.
This football season, I encourage you to learn how to identify victims of human trafficking and be vigilant as you attend sporting events. I continue to challenge you, my Facebook friends, to have an honest and open discussion about human trafficking in America and how you can help end this horrible epidemic. To learn more, like the Shut-Out Trafficking Facebook page and follow End Trafficking on Twitter.
Below, I have listed the 34 US cities where human trafficking was reported in August.
Amarillo, Texas
Ankeny, Iowa
Bertram, Texas
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bradley County, Tennessee
Cleveland, Tennessee
Corsicana, Texas
Detroit, Michigan (9 minors rescued, 4 arrested)
Fayetteville, North Carolina ( 11 arrested)
Flint, Michigan
Great Falls, Montana
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Jefferson County, Alabama (49 arrested)
Manchester, New Hampshire
Menominee County, Michigan
Mission, Texas
New Orleans, Louisiana
Orange County, Florida
Pender County, North Carolina
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Rockville, Maryland
Salinas, California
San Antonio, Texas
San Bernadino, California
San Diego, California
Shreveport, Louisiana
Spartanburg, South Carolina ( 21 arrested)
Tampa, Florida
Temecula, North Carolina
Tulare County, California
Vacaville, California
Washington, D.C.
Watsonville, California