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Human Trafficking in New Mexico

FBI Albuquerque December 16, 2010
  • Public Affairs Specialist Frank Fisher (505) 889-1438

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, but the FBI and its law enforcement partners in New Mexico are taking an aggressive approach to combating this crime.

A hotline has been set up to receive complaints of human trafficking, and the New Mexico Human Trafficking Working Group continues to look for ways to share information and resources among law enforcement and community organizations.

The group, which is made up of the FBI and other federal, state and local law enforcement and government agencies, as well as community and social organizations, held its quarterly meeting in Las Cruces today.

Immigrants, runaways and others are sometimes exploited by persons who trick, force or sell them into prostitution or unpaid physical labor. Such exploitation is known as human trafficking.

The FBI and its law enforcement partners have stepped up efforts to disrupt human trafficking operations in New Mexico and around the country. These efforts are focused on combating the exploitation of individuals who work in labor industries, such as agriculture and domestic service, or who are forced into prostitution or slave labor.

The FBI nationwide opened 167 human trafficking investigations last year, almost double the amount in 2004. In New Mexico, the FBI and its law enforcement partners are investigating several cases of alleged human trafficking.

Anyone can report a case of human trafficking by calling the national hotline: 1-888-428-7581. The FBI in Albuquerque also can receive reports by phone, 505-889-1300.

More information about the FBI's program against human trafficking can be found at http://www.fbi.gov.