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Simply put human trafficking is modern day slavery.
Every year men, women, and children are exploited in every
part of the world, including here in the United States.
Human trafficking happens everywhere across our communities
in cities, in suburbs, and rural towns.
Human trafficking occurs when an individual is exploited
through force, fraud, or coercion
for forced labor, domestic servitude, or commercial sex.
In addition, under U.S. law,
any minor under the age of 18 who is engaged in commercial sex
is a victim of human trafficking regardless of whether
force, fraud, or coercion is involved.
Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking.
Through the Blue Lightning Initiative
the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Customs and Border Protection
and the Blue Campaign
are working with the Department of Transportation
to combat human trafficking.
by raising awareness of these criminal activities.
Airline personnel like you
are vital partners in the Blue Lightning Initiative’s fight against human trafficking
since some traffickers use transportation systems
like commercial aircraft flights as means to facilitate their criminal activity.
You and your colleagues interact with thousands of people every day
and you have the opportunity to help identify a victim or a trafficker
by recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking activities
to law enforcement.
So how can you recognize a victim of human trafficking?
What indicators of possible human trafficking activity should you watch for?
One way they establish these forms of control
is by taking possession of a victim's travel and identification documents.
The first indicator of human trafficking.
So if you notice that a traveler lacks control of his or her own documents,
ask yourself, "Why?".
Traffickers tightly control any information provided to victims
and as a result, victims are often unable to answer seemingly
basic questions about their travel plans.
Keep in mind that a trafficker could be anyone.
A victim's friend, family member, or a complete stranger.
When you observe indicators of suspected human trafficking activity
you should report them right away.
Whether you're on the ground or in flight,
you should report tips as soon as possible.
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Make sure to identify your tip as a Blue Lightning Initiative or BLI Tip.
Your tip, by itself or combined with other information, could help law enforcement
build a case against a trafficker and help a victim.