Human trafficking victims remembered

Web Posted: 01/12/2008 12:22 AM CST

Express-News

Local law enforcement agencies and social service organizations observing the inaugural National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness on Friday called for increased public cooperation to combat what has been widely labeled modern-day slavery.

A U.S. Senate resolution last year made Jan. 11 a day to recall its victims.

Members of the South Texas Human Trafficking Coalition said much work remains to be done. The coalition includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, which made 520 arrests for forced sexual or workforce exploitation resulting in 281 convictions nationwide in the past three years.

"ICE joins in this resolution to bring attention to this global problem where criminals prey upon the hopes and dreams of the innocent who come to the U.S. for a better life but later find themselves subject to exploitation, physical violence and isolation," said Jerry Robinette, in charge of ICE investigations in San Antonio.

Other members of the coalition include the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, the FBI and social service groups such as Catholic Charities.
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