Gary King
The president declared January National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month earlier this year. In his proclamation, President Obama asks Americans to acknowledge that forms of slavery still exist in this country and worldwide. He urges us all to educate ourselves about all forms of modern slavery, including the signs and consequences of human trafficking.
My office has been actively involved for some time in addressing that goal.
Here in New Mexico, we have a relatively new anti-human trafficking law, and the Attorney General’s Office has placed a special focus on making people aware of the problem and the law. The Border Violence Division in my office has been steadily working to provide trainings and create working human trafficking task forces in New Mexico’s 13 judicial districts consisting of federal, state and local law enforcement, and victim service providers.
We have initiated dozens of targeted trainings focusing on understanding human trafficking and the state Law, explaining how law enforcement identifies victims, conducting victim sensitive interviews, the continued presence application process, the T-Visa application process, and other related topics. I have asked that human trafficking training become a part of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy curriculum for all law enforcement officers in the state.
Last year we launched a statewide radio/television educational ad campaign urging the public to learn how to recognize and report human trafficking. It is important to shine light on this crime because it exists in the shadows of our society and victimizes those who are least likely to report it to authorities.
Additionally, my office has just completed creation and production of three publications about human trafficking. The tri-fold brochures, in English and Spanish, are directed to the general public and health and social services providers. The brochures include a simple explanation of human trafficking, how to spot victims and how to report the crime to my office.
This is important information and I strongly encourage people to read the publications. They are available online on our Web site or at any of the Attorney General’s Office locations in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces.
The Emancipation Proclamation, first ordered by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, freed slaves in the states. The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1865, then officially abolished and continues to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude.
In 2010, human trafficking is widely regarded as modern-day slavery and includes involuntary servitude, yet the horrible practice persists 145 year later. My office will continue all our efforts to educate the public, law enforcement and the judiciary about human trafficking and the New Mexico law that makes this crime a felony. As victims come forward on their own or are discovered through other means, we will do our best to investigate and prosecute the criminals who participate in the enslavement of fellow human beings.
King is New Mexico’s attorney general.