Posted on 08/26/2004 1:54:10 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
"Most Americans today believe slavery was outlawed in the United States many years ago, and they are correct. But they falsely believe that slavery doesn't exist in the United States and on that, they are sadly mistaken," said Wade Horn, assistant secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families.
During a news conference in Newark announcing the program, U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie said federal prosecutors are conducting several investigations into trafficking rings. Archbishop John Myers promised a new anti-trafficking clearinghouse in Newark.
Victims are often smuggled into the U.S. from their home countries with the promise of work or marriage, only to be forced into the sex industry or other work through the use of threats, beatings, rape and brainwashing.
U.S. government officials estimate that between 800,000 to 900,000 people are trafficked worldwide each year, with 18,000 to 20,000 of those arriving in the United States.
Because of its large number of ethnic communities, busy international airport and proximity to New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey is a hotbed of human trafficking, with as many as 4,000 people engaged in forced labor, law enforcement officials say.
Most victims are women. In New Jersey, the largest number of cases have been found in Mexican and Russian communities, Christie said.
Federal authorities have prosecuted cases against 110 traffickers in the past three years, a threefold increase over the previous three years, authorities said. The increase is the result of tougher federal laws that were enacted in 2000 and 2003.
Local police may not think to consider whether a woman arrested on prostitution charges may have been forced into it.
The new campaign will include a toll-free hot line for victims or members of the public to report possible trafficking. Two television ads will also begin airing.
(Excerpt) Read more at nj.com ...
It definitely happens. The FBI shut down a factory in my home town. The only question I have is what took them so long.
Are they sure complaining teenagers aren't part of these numbers?
Sorry, it Ain't Going to happen, and if you complain about it you are a Bush Basher.
Please notice the RNC platform notes that are released today, looking very friendly to illegals, and gay marriage.
But never fear just as long as that (R) appears beside their name.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.