July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which was initiated in 2014 to raise awareness against the atrocities of violating women and children in the act of human trafficking.

Today is meant to encourage the international community to take action to STOP human trafficking!

Human Trafficking is the act of laboring humans whether it be through the use of commercial sex, through physical and sexual abuse, threats of harm and deportation, false promises, economic and psychological manipulation, and cruelty or even the sale of humans.

Our United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  has special agents located in 62 offices in 46 countries around the globe making constant strides to halt the epidemic, by disrupting human trafficking networks and helping the victims. Part of the task at hand is educating the public to recognize the vulnerabilities, which will in turn help put an end to this heinous crime.

Since 2010, ICE’s investigative directorate, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), has arrested over 7,000 individuals for human trafficking offenses and the exploitation of persons, who suffer because of this crime. Vulnerability, in all its different forms, is central to how trafficking is understood and to how it can be tackled.

It is a fact that human traffickers prey on the most desperate and vulnerable. In order to end this inhumane practice, we must do more to shield particularly young people, women and children — from those who exploit their innocence.

If you happen to be in a situation where you can’t help but notice suspicious activity, please contact…

ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or www.ice.gov/tips