This is one more of the awareness initiatives during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan continues the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign to educate the public on human trafficking indicators and alerts throughout National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
This coming Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, special agents from HSI San Juan, as well as victim assistance specialists, will be orienting attendees of the San Sebastian Street Festival at the transportation center located in the parking lot of Hiram Bithorn Stadium in the Municipality of San Juan.
The public will receive more information about human trafficking — what the crime is, how to detect it and how to report it. In addition, the people will learn how traffickers operate, how to identify potential victims and the resources available to help them.
Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Juan Rebecca C. Gonzalez-Ramos said, “For HSI San Juan, it is critical that the community understands the indicators of trafficking and its consequences. As part of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and in coordination with Commissioner Juan Jackson, we joined the San Juan Municipal Police to inform San Sebastian Street Festival attendees about this crime, providing the necessary tools so that everyone can identify the warning signs and take effective measures to prevent trafficking.”
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion in exchange for labor, services or a commercial sex act.
Causing someone under the age of 18 to engage in a commercial sex act, regardless of the use of force, fraud or coercion, is considered human trafficking under U.S. law.
To control and exploit victims, traffickers use various types of force, fraud or coercion on their victims. They also use debt imposition, fraudulent employment opportunities, false promises of love or a better life, psychological coercion, and violence or threats of violence as manipulation strategies.
People often falsely believe that human trafficking involves victims being moved from one place to another. Human trafficking does not require transportation to be considered a crime. It is a crime that can be committed against an individual who has never left their place of origin.
For National Human Trafficking Prevention Month events and activities in Puerto Rico, follow us in our community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSISanJuan.
Finally, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious activity by calling the HSI San Juan Communications Center at 787-729-6969. We are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will take your tips in English or Spanish.