FBI special agent urges public to watch for signs of human trafficking

Jessica, a special agent assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) human trafficking unit at headquarters, urged the public to be alert to signs of human trafficking and to report tips to the FBI or local law enforcement. She said trafficking "can happen everywhere" and often occurs in victims' own neighborhoods.

She outlined why victims frequently do not come forward, saying traffickers may threaten to report victims to law enforcement, threaten deportation, or threaten victimsfamily members. She also said some people do not recognize themselves as victims because the trafficker has isolated or coerced them.

Jessica described common recruitment and transport methods: social media is a major recruitment avenue, and recruiters also operate in public places such as malls, outside schools and transit stations. For minors, she said air travel is less common because it is difficult to board an airplane with a minor without an accompanying adult; transport is more often by train, bus, subway, or a trafficker's vehicle.

The agent discussed labor trafficking as well as sex trafficking, noting labor victims may be forced to work to repay debts or in domestic servitude, with passports, paychecks or documents withheld and living in harsh conditions. While she said a majority of cases involve female victims, investigations include people of all genders, races and ages.

Jessica emphasized the role of public tips and local law enforcement in identifying victims and encouraged anyone who believes they or someone else may be a victim to come forward. She directed listeners to a posted resource in the transcript (fdi.gov/humantrafficking) for more information on how to identify trafficking and report it.

The segment was an informational public-service message rather than a formal civic or legislative meeting and contained no motions, votes, or formal actions.