By Joan Crigger
July 2, 2012

The Women Mayors held their regular meeting during the Annual Conference in Orlando on June 13. Miramar Mayor Lori Moseley, Chair of the Women Mayors' Caucus, opened the meeting and indicated that the focus of the meeting would be human trafficking. The keynote address was given by U.S. Department of Justice Deputy Attorney General James Cole. Also speaking to the Women Mayors about human trafficking was Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn.

Cole opened his remarks describing human trafficking as "modern day slavery" — often the immigrant who comes to the United States for a new life, a child who grew up here and ran away, or the migrant worker who depends totally on his or her employer. One thing they all have in common, according to Cole, is that "it is hidden from plain sight." The Deputy Attorney General said these individuals are a "commodity, bought and sold or simply taken." Different than selling drugs, which are only sold once, these human beings "are sold over and over" leaving them "in a state of bondage." Cole said that human trafficking is a low risk crime providing a steady stream of cash.

The Deputy Attorney General indicated that the FBI, the U.S Attorneys' Office, the Civil Rights Division, the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation Section, and the COPs office, as well as the Attorney General, are fully committed to fighting human trafficking. He stated that a record number of defendants were charged with human trafficking last year and that the Department of Justice has not done it alone. He said that local, state, federal, and other non-governmental law enforcement have partnered to yield concrete results. He cited several cases including ones in Virginia, Fort Lauderdale, and Washington State, where arrests and convictions have been successful.

Cole cited a new initiative, the Human Trafficking Enhanced Enforcement Initiative, which involves the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor to streamline federal investigations and prosecutions for human trafficking offenses. He also mentioned the expanded Project Safe Childhood initiative to combat technology-related crimes.

He closed by saying it is hard to believe that although 150 years ago President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, human trafficking still exists in the United States and around the world.

Following the Deputy Attorney General, McGinn brought mayors up to date on an issue in Seattle with Backpage.com, run by Village Voice Media. A letter signed by mayors was sent to them asking them to take steps to prevent Backpage.com from underage sex trafficking by requiring in-person verification of any prospective escort.

Finally, Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper brought mayors up to date on the Mayors for Freedom to Marry letter indicating that 235 mayors have now signed onto the letter

Moseley closed the meeting with a reminder about the Nominating Committee meeting the following day.