House Dems Pass Plan to Crack Down on Human Trafficking | The Michigan News

LANSING – In a move to end a form of modern-day slavery, the Michigan House Representatives today passed a plan sponsored by House Democrats to crack down on human trafficking in Michigan. This horrific crime victimizes thousands of people from around the world every year and is a growing problem in Michigan and across the country.

“This disgusting crime primarily targets women and children, and it must be stopped,” said State Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton), lead sponsor of the plan. “Our plan will go after those who bankroll these kidnappers by cutting their funding off at the source and giving us a way to provide restitution for the victims of this vile act.”

In addition to strengthening existing laws, the plan will:

* Add human trafficking to the list of offenses that qualify for prosecution under Michigan’s racketeering statute so prosecutors can go after the individuals involved, as well as those who support them and fund their activities.
* Allow any assets and property used in human trafficking to be seized and sold, with the proceeds being used for further trafficking enforcement.
* Provide for restitution for the victims.

“These criminals must not be allowed to profit off the suffering of another human being,” said State Representative Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills), who sponsored a bill in the package. “Thousands of children are trafficked each year – many into hunger and extreme poverty. It’s time to end this abhorrent crime and bring these despicable people to justice.”

The Midwest has been identified as an area of increased human trafficking, with Toledo, Ohio, serving as a major recruiting hub for the sex trade due to its location and proximity to major highways. In 2007, a Farmington Hills couple were found guilty of bringing a 14-year-old girl from their native Cameroon and forcing her into service as their unpaid maid. The man and woman were sentenced to 17 and five years of prison, respectively.

“Michigan has seen a major rise in this crime recently, and we must make certain our laws are strong enough to combat this evil,” said State Representative Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit). “No man, woman or child should have to experience the horrors of this unspeakable crime.”

An estimated 800,000 men, women and children are trafficked across international borders each year, according to statistics compiled by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Of these victims, 80 percent are female and 50 percent are children. Most of these victims are forced into the commercial sex trade.[1] In addition, 14,500 to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the United States each year.[2]

“This plan is about cracking down on these criminals and giving victims a chance to rebuild their lives,” said State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Twp.) “By providing victims with restitution from the funds and property that seized from these criminals, we can help them turn the page on this incredibly traumatic experience and begin the healing process.”

“It is absolutely unacceptable that our current laws do not give our law enforcement officers and prosecutors the tools they need to go after the perpetrators of these appalling crimes,” said State Representative Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland). “Our plan will empower local and state authorities to take on these criminals and protect the thousands of innocent people enslaved by them. We’re taking serious action today to not only stop and punish the individuals involved in the day-to-day operation of a human trafficking ring, but to dismantle the entire organization.”

House Dems Pass Plan to Crack Down on Human Trafficking | The Michigan News