Detroit council recognizes Human Trafficking Task Force, marks signage ordinance and annual report

Members of Detroit’s Human and Sex Trafficking Task Force presented the group’s work to the City Council on Jan. 28, detailing outreach events, state advocacy and a recently adopted city ordinance requiring signage in lodging establishments to help identify and report trafficking.

Bishop James Williams, chairperson of the task force, reviewed activities since the task force formed by council resolution in April 2022, including two public events, a rally/resource fair, and work in Lansing to brief state legislators and the state human trafficking task force. "Our goal for that signage ... was ... to raise awareness in these establishments," Williams said, summarizing the purpose of the municipal sign now approved by council earlier in the year.

Williams and other task force members described collaboration with the Detroit Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations special agents, Neighborhood Legal Services, Alternatives For Girls and other nonprofits. The task force’s hotel/motel signage ordinance was unanimously adopted by council in May; Williams said the state task force has reached out to discuss whether Detroit’s sign and approach could be a model for statewide action.

Council moved to accept the task force’s annual report and certificates of acknowledgment were presented to members in the chamber. Council Member Angela Whitfield Calloway — who sponsored the city resolution forming the task force — commended the volunteers for their work, noting that members serve in addition to full-time jobs and family obligations.

Ending: Council accepted the report; members said they will continue state and local advocacy on rescue services, awareness and legislative proposals.