When the Super Bowl arrives in South Florida on February 2nd, it brings with it increased business for hotels and other local businesses. However, it also brings in an influx of human traffickers and trafficking victims. Human trafficking is the second-largest criminal industry behind drug trafficking, and millions of men and women are victims. Miami-Dade County is already the largest center for trafficking in Florida. It will now host the Super Bowl, which tends to attract a lot of trafficking during the event. Before the 2019 game in Atlanta, the FBI made 169 trafficking arrests. In 2018, 110 arrests were made before the game.
National Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Month
January is National Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Month, and the hope is to bring greater attention to the signs of trafficking. The FBI takes a victim-centered approach to human trafficking all year long. In the days leading up to the Super Bowl, there will be increased FBI presence and heightened security. The FBI has offered training to hotel workers, rideshare drivers, and airport employees to be on the lookout for trafficking.
What Can Hotels Do?
Because hotels are the site of a lot sex trafficking, they have an obligation to be on high alert for trafficking behavior. Many hotels have stepped up their training and are teaching their employees signs to look for that may indicate that an individual is being trafficked. These signs include same-day room reservations, payments made in cash, people going in and out of a room, not allowing housekeeping into a room, and guests that request extra sheets and towels. In addition, they can look for individuals who appear that they are scared or under someone’s control. When hotel employees notice these signs, they can contact the local police or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Hotels have a special incentive to be on high alert for sex trafficking. Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, hotels can be held criminally and civilly liable for allowing trafficking to take place on their premises. Because businesses such as hotels profit from sex trafficking, they have an obligation not to turn a blind eye to signs that trafficking is occurring on their property.
Contact a Trusted Attorney
If you’ve been the victim of sex trafficking, you should have a trusted personal injury attorney evaluate your case. Gregg Goldfarb is willing to fight the businesses that enable sex trafficking and help victims pursue just compensation. Contact us online or call us at 305-374-7000 to schedule a free consultation.