The internet is a powerful tool that we’ve come to rely on for our daily lives – it’s how we connect to one another and the world around us, manage daily tasks like paying bills or mapping our way to the grocery store, and complete assignments for work and school. But for all the positive uses of the internet, there are also people who use its power to exploit others. Human traffickers have taken advantage of the anonymity afforded by the internet, using online platforms such as social media or online gaming networks to target the vulnerable, especially young people who use the internet most frequently. You can join us in the fight against trafficking by sharing our resources on social media, and having open and honest discussions about online safety with the kids and teens in your life. A simple conversation, shared online or in person, can make a huge difference in protecting the next generation from exploitation.  Powerful Partnerships: Blue Campaign works with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children The Blue Campaign is proud to join forces with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) this year to empower parents, educators, and kids with engaging, age-appropriate resources to navigate digital spaces safely. NCMEC is a nonprofit that works with victims, families, law enforcement, and the public to find missing children, stop child sexual exploitation, and prevent future victimization. Together, we’re working to stop online exploitation and trafficking of youth with targeted outreach that puts a spotlight on what it is, how it happens, and what to do if you encounter it. Everyone has a role to play in preventing youth exploitation, including kids themselves. To find resources, educate, and help talk about human trafficking, please check out: NCMEC: Resources for parents, educators and communities Blue Campaign’s Youth Video Series: Mia’s Story and Carter’s Story help kids learn what human trafficking looks like online and how to report it Blue Campaign’s Youth and Human Trafficking page: Offers tips for kids to know the signs of human trafficking and learn how to protect themselves For adults and educators, available resources include: Blue Campaign’s Youth Professional and Caretaker Training Blue Campaign’s Victim Awareness Poster Series: Created to help human trafficking victims self-identify and seek help National Human Trafficking Hotline: An avenue to report suspected human trafficking You can find all these resources and more on our campaign page. Trafficking Risks Confronting Unaccompanied Alien Children Some children are at a higher risk of being exploited, namely, those who arrive at the U.S. border alone. Every year, thousands of unaccompanied alien children arrive at the U.S. border alone — in search of safety, opportunity or a better life. Once these unaccompanied children enter the United States, they are at high risk of exploitation, abuse, and trafficking without parents or guardians to protect and guide them. The Blue Campaign aims to raise awareness to counter the exploitation of unaccompanied alien children and educate potential sponsors and caregivers. Learn more here. FROM THE FIELD  HSI San Juan Arrests Former Teacher for Child Sex Trafficking On July 10, a federal grand jury in Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Lizamarie Rivera-García, 42, of Bayamón, with multiple counts of child sex trafficking. Rivera-Garcia was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Juan the same day. Rivera-García, a former religion teacher, is accused of recruiting, coercing, and transporting two male minors — ages 15 and 17 — for commercial sex acts between December 2023 and November 2024. Court documents allege that she knowingly enticed the minors and exploited them for nearly a year and was involved in transporting the children within U.S. territories. HSI San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca C. Gonzalez-Ramos emphasized law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to protecting children, adding, “We will not let these acts happen on our watch.” If convicted, Rivera-García faces mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years for each charge, with the potential for life imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit. AT THE CENTER Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar Visits Center for Countering Human Trafficking The Center for Countering Human Trafficking was honored to welcome Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar for a special visit recently. During his time at the Center, Deputy Secretary Edgar met with leadership and staff from across CCHT to learn more about the Department’s integrated strategy to combat human trafficking through victim support, criminal enforcement, and strategic outreach. The visit included briefings on ongoing initiatives such as Blue Campaign awareness efforts, support for unaccompanied children, and recent field operations targeting trafficking networks. Deputy Secretary Edgar acknowledged the Center’s accomplishments in combating human trafficking and assisting victims, including unaccompanied alien children, and commended the Blue Campaign for contributions that have significantly raised public awareness of sex and labor trafficking. His visit underscored DHS’s commitment to elevating the fight against human trafficking as a departmental priority and ensuring continued investment in the Center’s mission. CCHT staff were proud to share the impact of their work and the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change for victims and communities. |
