Florida faces human trafficking crisis

Human trafficking is a growing issue in Florida.

Mary Kate Nolan, staffer

With human trafficking up by 25 percent in the state since last year, Congress is keeping close watch of the expanding issue in Florida.

As of January 2020, Florida ranks third in the nation for human trafficking cases. The Florida Department of Children and Families reported that the Suncoast region had the second-most reported cases of human trafficking of any Floridian region. U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan recently submitted a bill providing federal grants for the issue.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear that Florida is one of the top places human trafficking takes place,” senior Daniela Madrid said. “I think we need to raise more awareness on this issue, especially to young girls who may come across it more commonly.”

Selah Freedom, a national anti-trafficking organization located in Sarasota, trains law enforcement agencies to identify human trafficking. Representatives said that large sporting events drive trafficking up 10 times more, prompting the organization to raise awareness by giving out bracelets in the 2017 Houston Super Bowl, and to promote their helpline on stage at the most recent Super Bowl in Miami.

“It’s so scary that all of this is happening very close to home for us,” senior Shaylien Gonzalez said. “I hope the police will do more to prevent this from happening to more and more people in Florida, as well as everywhere else.”

The police department is setting a goal to expand their knowledge on the issue to help keep human traffickers away. Law enforcement agencies began being on high alert the weekend of the Super Bowl, due to an increase in trafficking cases. They still remain on careful watch throughout the state, due to Florida’s unfortunate ranking.

“I didn’t even know the issue was this bad in Florida,” senior Alex Lucchesi said. “I haven’t seen anything reported on this at all, and I think we should spread the news because it’s a very dangerous situation.”