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Blue Campaign Expands Partnerships Ahead of Super Bowl 50

Release Date: February 4, 2016
Feb 04, 2016
03:05 pm
Maria Odom Maria M. Odom

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today is excited to announce two new partnerships between the DHS Blue Campaign, the unified voice for the Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking, and the California Hotel & Lodging Association (CH&LA) and the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) Altamont Corridor Express (ACE).

This announcement is especially important as the Department continues its efforts to help ensure the security of visitors and fans for Super Bowl 50. High-profile events, like the Super Bowl, draw large crowds and have become lucrative opportunities for criminals engaged in human trafficking. CH&LA and SJRRC ACE will display Blue Campaign materials at lodging and railway stops throughout California, providing residents and visitors to the area with information about the indicators of human trafficking and how to report it. Materials will also have resources and information on how to receive support for potential victims.

What is Human Trafficking? Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking is different from human smuggling. Who are the Victims? Who is at Risk? Trafficking victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality.
A sample Blue Campaign message about the indicators of human trafficking

“It is our responsibility to speak up and act for those who cannot,” said SJRRC ACE Safety and Security Supervisor Steve Walker.

“As an industry, we recognize the important role that hotels can play in fighting human trafficking networks which often rely on legitimate businesses such as hotels to sustain their operations,” said CH&LA President and CEO Lynn Mohrfeld. “CH&LA is looking forward to partnering with the DHS Blue Campaign to help combat human trafficking within the hotel and lodging industry.”

Trafficking Indicators. Is the victim in possession of identification and travel documents; if no, who has control of the documents? Was the victim coached on what to say to law enforcement and immigration officials? Was the victim recruited for one purpose and forced to engage in some other job?Is the victim's salary being garnished to pay off a smuggling fee? (Paying off a smuggling fee alone is not considered trafficking.) Was the victim forced to perform sexual acts? Does the victim have freedom of movement? Has the victim or family been threatened with harm if the victim attempts to escape? Has the victim been threatened with deportation or law enforcement action? Has the victim been harmed or deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care or other life necessities? Can the victim freely contact friends or family? Is the victim a juvenile engaged in commercial sex? Is the victim allowed to socialize or attend religious services? Report Suspicious Activity 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) www.dhs.gov/bluecampaign
Sample human trafficking indicator card

Last year, ahead of Super Bowl XLIX, the Blue Campaign established partnerships with the City of Phoenix and the Arizona Human Trafficking Council of the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth, and Families to provide training and awareness materials.

The Blue Campaign will continue to work in collaboration with local law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice.

Last Updated: 08/07/2024
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