Introduction
Human trafficking is the unlawful movement of people to exploit them for labor or sexual services (“What is Human Trafficking?” n.d.). Unfortunately, as technology progresses, perpetrators of human trafficking also find new ways to endorse their exploits (Yetter, 2015). Subsequently, there are also efforts made by authorities to persecute those who take part with human trafficking which victimizes many, including minors. This is not only an issue on a state level, but an issue on the national level as well since these people operate on a national and even international level using social media (Bisaro, 2016). For instance, around 150 individuals were arrested in a single sting operation which spanned the whole country (Ford, 2015). Being so, it is only proper that different government levels should do their part to combat human trafficking. This paper will likewise explain the connection and relationship between different levels of the government regarding human trafficking, assess the challenges they face and determine ways to overcome these challenges.
Body
Since the transportation of many immigrants that are being victimized in human trafficking contributes significantly to the success of human trafficking operations, many institutions recognize that human trafficking can be controlled by a control on the immigration laws in the states. As such, there was a bill that would give more restriction on the travel of immigrants from state to state. However, this bill was not completely enacted due to the cost that it entails (Cheves, 2011). Moreover, many states, including Kentucky have legislation directed to combat human trafficking. The state of Kentucky has also given emphasis on the severity of human trafficking that victimizes minors by giving penalties that are more severe than when the victim is not a minor (“Kentucky Legislation,” 2007). Moreover, among efforts that states contribute to combat human trafficking and help the victims are the Safe Harbor Laws and the provision of shelters for the survivors (Hooks-Wayman, 2013). The federal government also makes considerable effort to combat human trafficking. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recognizes the harm of human trafficking to the society. As such, they call out to the public to tip them with information regarding human trafficking operations by providing knowledge regarding the signs of human trafficking. They also conduct campaigns to make people aware of the severity of the crime and what people should do in case they come in contact with the perpetrators of human trafficking (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, n.d.). Moreover, many federal laws have also been passed to protect victims of human trafficking. Among these laws is the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and the creation of stricter guidelines regarding minor victims (Hooks-Wayman, 2013). While the federal government disseminates relevant information and carry out operations to combat human trafficking, the state government likewise assists in a more hands on manner as evident by the many programs directed to help the victims. There are many times when both the federal and state governments had helped each other to combat human trafficking. An example of which is a case wherein three women were victimized and was intended to be engaged in prostitution. The state department of justice charged the criminals while the FBI aided in the investigation and the prosecution of the criminals (Sayers, 2016). The many governmental levels in the country should likewise continue to work together to eradicate human trafficking.
One of the greatest obstacles in securing persecutions for human trafficking could be the distinction between the criminals and the victims. The victims may be seen working together with the criminals, but they may have only cooperated in order to save their lives. There is a thin line between the criminals and their victims in such cases and this is among the greatest obstacle in persecution (International Association of Chiefs of Police, n.d.). Furthermore, the collaboration between many institutions will prove helpful to overcome this obstacle.
Conclusion
Human trafficking victimizes many individuals, including minors. It is about time that the public become aware of its consequences. Furthermore, it is also about time for a more progressive measure against this heinous crime that should be spearheaded by all concerned institutions in all levels.
References
Bisaro, A. (2016). Sex Trafficking Moves to Social Media to Find Victims and Perpetrators, Connecticut Authorities Say. New Haven Register News. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20160619/sex-trafficking-moves-to-social-media-to-find-victims-and-perpetrators-connecticut-authorities-say
Cheves, J. (2011). House Democrats Chew on Senate Immigration Bill. Lexington Herald Leader. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article44077815.html
Ford, D. (2015). More than 150 People Arrested in Nationwide Sex Trafficking Sting. CNN. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/14/us/sex-trafficking-sting/
Hooks-Wayman, R. (2013). Safe Harbor Laws: Policy in the Best Interest of Victims of Trafficking. ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/events/homelessness_poverty/2013_Midyear_Meeting_Safe_Harbor_Laws/rich_hooks_wayman_powerpoint.authcheckdam.pdf
International Association of Chiefs of Police. (n.d.). The Crime of Human Trafficking: A Law Enforcement Guide to Identification and Investigation. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.theiacp.org/portals/0/pdfs/CompleteHTGuide.pdf
Kentucky Legislation. (2007). Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Statutes/chapter.aspx?id=39397
Sayers, J. (2016). Mich man Transported Women to Ky for Prostitution. Courier Journal. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2016/05/23/mich-man-transported-women-ky-prostitution/84810510/
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (n.d.). Human Trafficking. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from https://www.ice.gov/human-trafficking
What is Human Trafficking. (n.d.). Rescue and Restore. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.rescueandrestoreky.org/what-is-human-trafficking/
Yetter, D. (2015). Summit: Human Trafficking Common, Widespread. Courier-Journal. Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2015/10/20/summit-human-trafficking-common-widespread/74281766/
