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 We monitor and fact-check media coverage of human trafficking and share the top cases with you from each week. A broad view of what is happening across the country can be translated into action, allowing us to collectively change the system and the public narrative. |
 The long history of exploitative labor conditions in the farming industry only worsens during this pandemic. California Authorities launch a human trafficking investigation after a crash that left 13 dead The Mexican government said 10 of the dead were Mexican citizens and that the nationalities of the three others who died were undetermined. Seats of the 1997 Ford Expedition had been removed except for the driver and right-front passenger seats. The crash happened during the height of the harvest in California’s Imperial Valley agricultural region, which provides much of the lettuce, onions, broccoli, and winter vegetables to U.S. supermarkets. Aggressive enforcement of workplace conditions is necessary to ensure people keeping our supply chain full, and our nation fed, are safe and healthy. The workers at the center of businesses must be at the heart of protection. It’s time that human lives mattered more to our nation than bottom lines.We appreciate the recent focus on child sex trafficking on social media, but let’s make sure we’re leaning on the facts and real cases. Arizona 34 Valley child sex crime suspects arrested in Operation Broken Hearts The suspects allegedly solicited or brokered deals for sex acts with children in response to ads placed online by undercover officers and detectives. Illinois Chicago man charged with sex trafficking teen girl He repeatedly sold the 15-year-old for sex in and around Chicago in December 2015, and brought her to and from Wisconsin to be sold for sex at least once, according to prosecutors. Indiana Huntington man sentenced for child sex trafficking, child molesting He recruited the girl to engage in sexual activity with himself and others between July 2018 and October 2020. During that time, she was between the age of 13 and 15. Louisiana Human trafficking suspect facing more charges for soliciting young girls The potential trafficker used the social media app “Snapchat” to solicit girls between the ages of 13-15 for sexually explicit content. Through an investigation, troopers found the names of over 1,000 potential victims Haidler reached out to via Snapchat. He sent pictures of a bank statement depicting thousands of dollars asking young girls if they wanted a sugar daddy. The suspect was arrested in the Virgin Islands.*The Virgin Islands is one of the most popular tax havens in the world. Financial crimes often accompany human trafficking, and the location of his trafficking-related activity being a tax haven is a strong indicator of illicit financial activity. Texas Authorities identified a child, arrest 30 in undercover human trafficking probe The three-day operation, dubbed Operation Cupid, resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals as well as the identification and support of a juvenile who authorities said was being trafficked. Craig Priesmeyer, assistant district attorney for the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office said the operation was targeting the demand side of sex trafficking. Texas Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office aids in joint human trafficking operation As a result of the operation, two human traffickers were identified, five victims of human trafficking were identified, and were immediately provided social services to include medical, safe housing, and counseling. Collective Liberty is honored to be asked to provide intelligence support for this operation. Our partners in Beaumont do wonderful work and set an example for others to follow. Not only do the law enforcement agencies hold the traffickers and buyers accountable, but their District Attorney’s Office relentlessly prosecutes them. Great job to all of the agencies involved!Wisconsin Madison man convicted on 10 federal counts of child sex trafficking The Department Of Justice says he used ads on the now-defunct web site Backpage to arrange “dates” for a number of minors, collected money, and instructed the minors on what to do during the “dates.” Pennsylvania Black P-Stones member sentenced 17.5 years for role in sex trafficking conspiracy Members of the street gang known as the Black P-Stones have dealt in sex and drug trafficking in Stroudsburg and Maine for years. They used threats, force, drugs, and intimidation to coerce females to engage in prostitution.  Michigan Two women charged with prostitution in Macomb Township massage parlor Two workers have been arraigned on prostitution and solicitation charges at a Macomb Township massage parlor after an investigation by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. Both were charged with prostitution/accosting and soliciting. We cannot arrest potential victims and then expect their cooperation in criminal cases. These arrests also limit survivors’ options; these victims often cannot obtain housing, livable wages, and other basic needs with arrests and convictions on their records.  Collective Liberty has been selected amongst the top finalists for this year’s SXSW pitch event. Make sure to tune in on March 17th & 18th as we join our fellow 4 finalists in the Social & Culture category as well as judges Samara Hernandez, Stefanie Thomas, and Brian Dixon. Listen in as Collective Liberty CEO, Rochelle Keyhan outlines the human trafficking problem, pinpointing the challenges law enforcement and prosecutors face each day. She joins host Michael Lake on the latest episode of Preview of Tomorrow and breaks down the tactics we use to support those on the frontlines of the fight against trafficking.  JOIN US >> |
