The Department of Homeland Security recently launched the Blue Campaign, an effort to raise awareness and combat human trafficking across our country. I want to make you aware of the resources DHS has announced as you continue to protect our citizens across the State of Texas. I applaud your hard work and am grateful for your service.
DHS Public Service Announcement, "Out of the Shadows"
Public Service Announcement on human trafficking from Department of Homeland Security.
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
FLETC provides career-long training to law enforcement professionals on how to identify indicators of human trafficking, immigration options available for potential trafficking victims, and how to conduct human trafficking investigations. FLETC developed a web-based human trafficking training course that teaches officers how to recognize human trafficking encountered during routine duties, how to protect victims, and how to initiate human trafficking investigations.Click here to learn more about FLETC and its available training.
Resources for the Public
Several DHS offices have produced informational materials to educate the public on resources available to those affected by human trafficking.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has produced wallet-sized human trafficking indicator cards – available in 17 languages – to highlight differences between smuggling and trafficking and identify key signals for recognizing a trafficking victim.
To complement the indicator cards, ICE has also produced an informational pamphlet that focuses on ICE's law enforcement role and victim-centered approach in combating human trafficking, and highlights recent investigative successes.
ICE has created a new brochure providing a concise, comprehensive overview of continued presence – a temporary immigration status provided by law enforcement to victims of human trafficking – including eligibility and application guidelines.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has developed a new pamphlet about immigration options for victims of crime, geared towards emergency responders, law enforcement officers, and healthcare professionals nationwide who may be in position to aid victims of trafficking.
USCIS continues to issue public guidance and memoranda outlining the provisions and rights of trafficking victims under William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.
The Department has created several online resources to engage the public, including:
A centralized web portal for all DHS resources related to efforts to combat human trafficking.
A civic engagement website that highlights policy developments, initiatives and local events from around the country to better connect individuals and organizations that are interested in learning more about human trafficking, as well as other border security issues.
A centralized email resource for law enforcement, non-governmental organizations and service providers to contact human trafficking experts with questions, comments, or concerns.
