Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is leading a bipartisan effort to improve cooperation between states and the federal government in addressing human trafficking. Nessel, along with 41 other state and territory attorneys general, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, urging better collaboration with local law enforcement on the operations of the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Nessel said, “The National Human Trafficking Hotline plays a critical role in combatting trafficking,” as reported by the Department of Attorney General.
Since 2007, Polaris has run the National Human Trafficking Hotline with funding from Congress. The Hotline collects tips from the public to help local law enforcement investigate possible human trafficking cases. Recently, it was found that Polaris has not always shared third-party tips about adult victims in a timely way, with some states experiencing delays of several months. State attorneys general sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services asking for future grant recipients to work closely with law enforcement and share information quickly. The letter said, “But sending the public to the Hotline when they see someone in trouble is futile if the organization running it refuses to share those tips and share them in a timely manner,” according to the Department of Attorney General.
Human trafficking can occur in everyday locations like stores and salons, as well as in commercial sex operations. Victims may not recognize their situation or know how to seek help. The National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) and Michigan’s tip line (855-MICH-TIP) provide resources for reporting. These hotlines work with local law enforcement to address trafficking cases. A coalition of attorneys general from states including Alabama, Alaska, California, and New York, led by Michigan Attorney General Nessel, is focused on improving state and federal cooperation in combating trafficking. More information on Michigan's efforts can be found on the Department of Attorney General’s website.
