FBI, This Week: National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Mollie Halpern: January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the FBI is stepping up its efforts to combat the crime at large events that can draw traffickers among the crowds.

In Houston, Texas, which is host to the upcoming Super Bowl, the FBI is strategically using techniques to prevent the crime and arrest those who perpetrate it.

Al Tribble of the FBI’s Houston Field Office…

Al Tribble: Human trafficking is not indigenous to sporting events. It’s not indigenous to Houston, Texas. It’s everywhere. And with big events that occur in Houston and other cities, we take efforts to combat that human trafficking threat.

Halpern: Fighting human trafficking is the mission of FBI-led task forces and initiatives—and more are in development.

Tribble: They’re the lowest of the low. They’re despicable characters, and the FBI and its local law enforcement partners are committed to bringing these folks to justice.

Halpern: National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month culminates in an annual celebration of National Freedom Day on February 1.

If you’re a victim of human trafficking or know someone who is, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888.

Report tips to www.fbi.gov. I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau with FBI, This Week.