Today is DHS’s Blue Campaign’s “Wear Blue Day”

For Immediate Release

Office of the Press Secretary

Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen released the following statement on Human Trafficking Awareness Day:

“Make no mistake, human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Through use of force, fraud, or coercion, people around the world are robbed of their freedom and forced into labor or commercial sex acts. Human traffickers do not discriminate based on nationality, age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Across the world—in rural towns and urban areas alike—innocent men and women are targeted and exploited.

“Human trafficking is the antithesis of everything the free world represents, and the Department of Homeland Security is not standing idly by. In airports, along borders, and in communities across the country, our officers and agents are trained to identify those being victimized by criminals, including transnational criminal organizations.

“Through President Trump’s immigration priorities, we will secure our borders, enforce laws within our country, and create an immigration system that protects the American people. By empowering law enforcement officers to do their jobs and providing them with the resources they need, we can more effectively combat human trafficking.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking. I encourage all Americans to learn how to recognize the signs of trafficking, and join the fight to end these heinous crimes.”

DHS’s Blue Campaign is the unified voice on the Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking. Working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations, Blue Campaign strives to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice.

Through Blue Campaign, DHS raises public awareness about human trafficking, leveraging partnerships to educate the public to recognize human trafficking and report suspected instances. Blue Campaign also offers training to law enforcement and others to increase detection and investigation of human trafficking, and to protect victims and bring suspected traffickers to justice. To view all available Blue Campaign resources, please visit our resources page. January 11th marks “Wear Blue Day” to raise awareness of Blue Campaign efforts.

Secretary Nielsen joins the team wearing blue at the Office of Partnership and Engagement on Human Trafficking Awareness Day to raise awareness to end human trafficking. (DHS Official Photo/Meagan Blake)

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