The California Alliance to Combat Trafficking and Slavery (CA ACTS) Task Force released its Final Report, Human Trafficking in California, on Tuesday. The 18-month study found that California is a top destination for human traffickers who coerce people into the sex trade or labor through force or fraud, reports the Associated Press.
The 19-member task force found that California is especially vulnerable to human trafficking because of the state’s international border, ports and airports, as well as its booming immigrant population and large economy, a portion of which is made up of industries that attract forced labor. The report includes recommendations for policy-makers to create more powerful tools for law enforcement and prosecutors, launch aggressive steps to prevent human trafficking in California and increase public awareness and support for victims.
“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Although authorities have the ability to prosecute cases of trafficking and forced labor within California, more needs to be done,” said Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Sally Lieber. “California is a magnet state for trafficking; we must be on the forefront of identifying and stopping these crimes as well. This report will be a blueprint for further legislation and action by law enforcement.”
