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 described labor-trafficking cases that do not always reach law enforcement and urged expanded outreach and services.

Hacker described common recruitment tactics and the dynamics that make victims reluctant or unable to escape, including emotional and financial control by offenders. She said some traffickers require victims to raise thousands of dollars and described a ‘‘stable’’ — a term she used for a group of victims controlled by a manager. She noted the use of social-media shorthand and emojis to conceal solicitation.

“There are laws that do protect victims,” Hacker said, and she recommended increased prevention work in schools and expanded victim-witness services. She said the state recently made trafficking of a minor a strike offense and that an offender convicted of trafficking a minor can “have a sentence of up to 12 years in state prison.”

Hacker also warned of recent reductions in federal support for victim services. “Wethose we've experienced a great deal of cuts in the last 2 years, first with the federal government cutting off victim witness programs entirely in 2024,” she said; she added the state has supplemented some funding but called for rebuilding local victim-witness capacity.

Representatives from local nonprofits and the Mexican consulate described services and outreach. Evelyn Gonzales, outreach coordinator for Fresno EOC Central Valley Against Human Trafficking, said her office serves the Central Valley and praised the board’s proclamation: “I'm really excited that you guys have the proclamation this year, for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.”

Danielle of the Central Valley Justice Coalition, a nonprofit that provides prevention education and services, said the group focuses on reaching potential victims before exploitation occurs. “We focus on human trafficking prevention and education,” she said, and urged broad community participation in awareness efforts.

Valeria Solorio, consular protection at the Consulate of Mexico in Fresno, told the board the consulate will continue to assist Mexican nationals who are victims of trafficking in Kings County: “the consulate of Mexico in Fresno will continue providing assistance to any national who is a victim of human trafficking in the King's County.”

Board discussion included requests for additional study sessions and for stronger coordination with state and federal lawmakers. Supervisors and speakers urged more K-12 prevention education, expanded housing and basic-needs supports to reduce vulnerability, and tougher enforcement and penalties for traffickers.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of minutes, Jan. 14, 2025: Motion by Supervisor Rusty Robinson, second by Supervisor Joe Neves. Vote: Neves, Valle, Verboone, Robinson, Thayer — all yes (5-0). Outcome: approved. - Consent calendar: Moved by Supervisor Joe Neves; second not specified on record. Vote: 5-0 in favor. Outcome: approved. - Resolution proclaiming January 2025 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Kings County: Moved by Supervisor Joe Neves, seconded by Supervisor Robert Thayer. Vote: Neves, Valle, Verboone, Robinson, Thayer — all yes (5-0). Outcome: approved.

What happens next: Advocates and the district attorney urged the county to pair the proclamation with increased prevention education, restoration or replacement of victim-witness funding, and continued enforcement operations. Several speakers asked the board to consider a study session to review prevention and service gaps and to coordinate with state and federal legislators on funding and law changes.

The board adjourned to closed session after the public-comment and presentation portion of the meeting.