Local Residents Address Human Trafficking

TYLER — Human trafficking is a visible global problem. KETK reports Smith County law enforcement held a public seminar on Saturday to bring awareness to fight against human trafficking. Officials say it’s a growing problem in Texas and right here in East Texas. Executive Director JoAnn Fleming of Grassroots America – We the People remarked, “Right here in our own backyard, so that is just not acceptable.” The issue involves sex trafficking and human smuggling, and officials say it’s targeting innocent women, men, and children every year.

Grassroots America, ministries, and Smith County law enforcement are tackling the problem alongside federal and state law enforcement, “to bring to justice the people who are trafficking children and women and to rescue the victims and to try to prevent it,” says Fleming. Fleming adds, “It’s extremely important to make the community aware because they are the eyes and ears of law enforcement.” The public meeting was held to do just that, to bring awareness. “They are shocked; they have no idea that we have children that (are involved),” says Fleming.

“We want to focus on first the ones that are underage, and try to find out who it is who got them in that situation,” says Larry Smith, Smith County Sheriff. In a recent KETK investigation, “Enslaved in East Texas,” it was revealed that sex trafficking is on the streets in East Texas. “They come from many of the larger cities, the metroplex areas, to Tyler and do their drug and sex trafficking,” says Sheriff Smith. Smith County officials say help, recovery, and restoration are available for victims of this crime.