WASHINGTON D.C. (WTVB) – Michigan 7th District Congressman Tim Walberg on Monday introduced a measure titled, “The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act.” The legislation is designed to ensure the Department of Labor effectively trains its employees to recognize and respond to the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain.
According to recently released data from the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, Michigan reported 152 human trafficking cases in 2015, a 16% increase from 2014. Since 2007, the NHTRC has received reports of 556 cases of human trafficking in Michigan.
In a news release yesterday, Walberg said “The injustice of human trafficking knows no political party or geographical boundary—it happens right in our backyards and will take close coordination from stakeholders at every level to eradicate this unthinkable crime that targets the most vulnerable among us. The Department of Labor often has behind-the-scenes access in the course of investigating workforce law violations. This bill would ensure those employees on the front line have the necessary training to detect the signs of human trafficking and framework in place to refer cases to law enforcement for prosecution. ”
