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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — Ahead of all the Super Bowl fun and festivities, law enforcement has unveiled anti-human trafficking campaigns in Los Angeles.
They want the public to be on the lookout for anyone who appears to be a victim of exploitation, as abused children, young women and men are often moved from state to state ahead of big events.
City and state police and federal agents have already arrested suspected traffickers from different parts of the country who are in town because of big game.
Authorities said sometimes victims are forced to walk the streets while other times they are exploited through apps.
“It’s very difficult because social media is everywhere, the internet is everywhere,” said Special Agent Randal Hill of Homeland Security Investigations.
Federal agents from HSI conducted various operations associated with the Super Bowl — and they worked with LAPD.
“It’s extremely important to work with our federal partners because just us and working like an island isn’t going to work,” said LAPD Capt. Lillian Carranza. “We need not only local partners, but also state and federal ones. Without them, we would not succeed. »
The operations already started a few days ago with undercover units.
Agents from Arizona are also in Los Angeles as part of their preparation for next year’s Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, the NFL is also working to raise awareness through its ‘It’s a Penalty’ campaign – which features messages from well-known athletes.
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