Kings County Board proclaims January 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness Month; DA, advocates urge prevention and resources

The Kings County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 adopted a resolution designating January 2025 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month following a presentation by Kings County District Attorney Sarah Hacker and remarks from local advocates and consular staff.

Hacker told the board that local and state law enforcement recently carried out “Operation Movin’ Out,” an investigation that targeted human trafficking and gang exploitation, calling it “an incredibly successful operation. We had over 20 arrests with respect to those types of crimes.”

The resolution formally recognizes the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act-era observance and was approved by a 5-0 vote. Supporters at the meeting urged the board to pair the symbolic proclamation with investments in prevention, victim services and legislative changes.

Why it matters: County prosecutors and nonprofits said human trafficking in Kings County includes both commercial sex exploitation and labor trafficking, that victims often are recruited locally through coercive relationships or targeted because of economic vulnerability, and that social media and online platforms make recruitment and advertising easier. Advocates at the meeting…