Press Releases

Human Trafficking in Southwest Florida
May 17, 2008

It’s been more than 140 years since slavery was abolished in the United States, yet each year more than 17,000 people are still being sold at the hands of human traffickers.

It’s an illegal business second only to the drug trafficking industry - and it’s happening right here in Southwest Florida. They’re brokers who deal in the sale of human beings - trapping women and children into lives of prostitution, physical and mental abuse.

“They don’t treat them as human beings. It’s a commodity - it’s a profit," said Julie Rocco, of the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

Coyotes, or recruiters, prey on vulnerable victims - using threats and intimidation, or even promises of a better life, to bring them into the United States - where they become slaves – kept away from society and forced to serve as prostitutes and unpaid laborers. They’re sold just like any other product - stripped of their core human dignity and sentenced to a life of servitude.

“The recruiter will prey upon that dream and prey upon the vulnerabilities of those who have that dream - and they’ll exploit that,” Rocco said.

While many people believe the problem of human trafficking is confined only to third world countries, the truth of the matter is that it’s happening right here in the United States - even in our own backyards.

Rocco says nearly 100 victims have been rescued locally from the entrapments of modern day slavery. Many have been young girls, forced to work in brothels, and others have simply been kept as slaves and hostages. One of those victims endured levels of physical and mental abuse that seem unimaginable in this day and age.

“This girl was essentially kidnapped, they shaved her head, put her in a dog crate…and she was victimized," Rocco said.

But for every victim found, there are many others tucked away into the corners of our community - desperate for the day they can break free.

"They’re there. The more people can help identify them, the more we can rescue,” Rocco said.

Anyone with information on potential victims of human trafficking is encouraged to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards.

The Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking will be hosting an informational summit later this month in Fort Myers to discuss the issue of trafficking. Additional information may be obtained by calling 1-888-373-7888.