Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) said she has established a Human Trafficking Congressional Task Force to combat human trafficking while aiding Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino county victims.
“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery that exploits some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” Kim said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately led to increased risks and hindered prevention efforts. These unconscionable crimes should not find safe harbor in our homes, neighborhoods, streets, or ports. I am proud to launch a Human Trafficking Congressional Task Force to help address this issue head-on by hearing from those on the front lines of combating human trafficking.”
The effort would involve victims’ rights groups, local and federal law enforcement agencies, and community advocates, seeking to identify problems, find policy solutions, and inform Kim’s work in Congress.
Per the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a nationwide high of more than 1,500 human trafficking cases were reported in California in 2019.
“We often like to think that human trafficking is a problem for others, but it is a challenge for all of us,” Crittenton Services for Children and Families CEO Greg Eubanks said. “Trafficking and exploitation of the most vulnerable among us impacts our community, our families, and our neighbors. The work of task forces such as this one is vital to keep our children safe.”