NEW ORLEANS — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking and the Blue Campaign conducted a three-day human trafficking training workshop at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.
This no-cost training was intended to educate, discuss and raise awareness about human trafficking, specifically in preparation for the 2025 Super Bowl.
The event, titled “Human Trafficking: Hear, Learn, Share,” enabled HSI New Orleans to meet with over 200 state and local law enforcement, federal prosecutors, nongovernmental organizations and personnel in the hospitality industry to learn, collaborate and discuss ways to combat human trafficking. The training was separated into two events to tailor the training to the specific needs of each field.
On Aug. 26, the training was provided to personnel in the hospitality industry including, food and beverage, lodging, recreation, entertainment, and travel and tourism. Morning and afternoon sessions were offered to reach as many hospitality industry employees as possible. Attendees learned about the global and local issue of human trafficking, specifically addressing the problems in Louisiana. The presentations were conducted by experts from HSI and individuals with real-life experience in human trafficking.
On Aug. 27 and 28, training was provided to sworn law enforcement personnel, prosecutors and nongovernmental organizations. The two-day training taught attendees about the global issue of human trafficking and facilitated a discussion into combatting human trafficking in New Orleans.
The attendees were addressed by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, HSI Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune and HSI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Leonard Robles, who provided an overview of the human trafficking problem in Louisiana. The overview was followed by information and training sessions conducted by experts from HSI and law enforcement partners. The attendees also learned about DHS and HSI’s victim-centered approach to human trafficking and how to work collaboratively with law enforcement partners and NGOs.
“As the federal coordinator for the upcoming Super Bowl, HSI New Orleans is working with partners at every level to ensure the event is safe for everyone to enjoy,” said DeLaune.
The training was a joint effort between HSI New Orleans, the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, the Blue Campaign and the Department of Justice, with significant contributions from the Louisiana Governor’s Office, the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force and the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.
Anyone with information regarding human trafficking or child exploitation is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. HSI has a nationwide tipline that members of the public can call to report what they know. You can reach HSI at 877-4-HSI-TIP.
For more information about HSI New Orleans, please follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSINewOrleans.