U.S. Department
of Justice
Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking in Western Michigan
Human trafficking happens across the United States, including in West Michigan. This crime often occurs in plain sight but can be difficult to identify. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan is dedicated to educating the public about human trafficking and prosecuting human traffickers.
To make a report of suspected human trafficking to federal law enforcement authorities, please call 866-347-2423. To learn more about trafficking or schedule a presentation for your organization, please contact the Office. The resources listed below provide additional information.
What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is a crime that involves exploiting a person for labor, services, or commercial sex.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. § 7102) defines human trafficking as:
a) Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age; or
b) The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
Resources
Kent County Human Trafficking Resource Guide
What is Human Trafficking? – Department of Homeland Security Online Guide
Links To More Information
The Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking web page
The Department of Homeland Security’s web page for the Blue Campaign to End Human Trafficking