The truth about trafficking

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Timothy Williford
  • 19th Force Support Squadron superintendent
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  After drug dealing, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms trade as the second largest criminal industry in the world, and it's the fastest growing.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, approximately 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year.

Most of the trafficked individuals in the U.S. come from Asia, Central America, South America and Eastern Europe. Due to these inbound locations, many of them don't speak English well enough to report their situations to local authorities or other service providers to seek assistance.

Although most people have the image of commercial sex trades as being hot beds for trafficked individuals, the reality is this is only a fraction of the industries heavily affected by trafficking. Large numbers are "forced laborers" that work in textile sweatshops, agricultural labor, janitorial services, food and other service-related industries, begging and pan handling.

Unfortunately, there are no real telling signs of someone being trafficked. The usual signs would normally be considered okay at a casual, first glance.

Signs include isolation such as restricted movements, typically with escorts and coaching from individuals when they're asked questions directly. Many are beaten or tortured to allow for control by the traffickers. Sullen, overwhelmed looks and lack of enthusiasm with their efforts could also be seen in trafficked individuals. Many of these on first glance could be considered normal. A coach to "emphasize" the question being asked would be acceptable if they're speaking to a non-English individual.

Normal bruising on farm hands, mechanics and other laborers is hardly ever questioned.

With the economic woes of the recent years, sunken, sullen faces are becoming a normal occurrence. So these signs may be overlooked.

If a person suspects something of this nature is happening in or around their neighborhood and community, there are several actions they should take.

First, try not to alert the trafficker that they are under suspicion. This is a very fluid arena, and many can be moved practically overnight, with little or no traces to be found.

Second, notify someone. People can contact the U.S. National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888, their local police department, local Office of Special Investigations or their commander, first sergeant or me - the base point of contact for this program.

People shouldn't, on any occasion, try to solve the problem themselves. Not only is this a fluid environment for the traffickers, it's also a very large profit generating endeavor, and many are more than willing to protect their cash cows with many forms of violence to both the victims and accuser.

For more information, call me at 987-7840 or e-mail at timothy.williford@littlerock.af.mil.