DETROIT (WWJ) — Hundreds of thousands of people are set to descend on Downtown Detroit at the end of April as the city hosts the 2024 NFL Draft.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says, unfortunately, this is a "prime" type of event for human traffickers.
Nessel tells WWJ her office is on the lookout for human trafficking activity ahead of the draft, set for April 25-27, with events spread throughout downtown, including at Campus Martius Park, the Monroe Midway and Hart Plaza.
"We see that sometimes the traffickers will specifically go to these events and bring trafficking victims with them," Nessel told WWJ's Luke Sloan.
That's why it's important to not only have an increased police presence, but also "for people to know what to look for when trafficking is taking place.
"Unfortunately these are prime events for that to occur, so we want to make sure that everybody is safe and we want to make sure that people are making reports when they see anything suspicious," Nessel said.
The AG's website has a list of human trafficking resources, including "red flags" for the general public to be aware of:
• Victims may work and live at the same place
• A victim often lacks the freedom to leave their working or living conditions; they are often escorted when they travel
• Victims are often kept under surveillance when they are taken somewhere
• Victims may not even know their address
• Victims may exhibit signs of abuse, such as bruises, cuts, burns, scars, prolonged lack of healthcare, or malnourishment
• Victims may exhibit fear, anxiety, depression, nervousness, hostility, flashbacks, or drug/alcohol addiction, and commonly avoid eye contact
• Victims may not be in control of their own money
• Victims often have no, or few, personal possessions. They frequently have no identifying documents, such as a driver's license or passport
• Victims may have their communication restricted or controlled, or have a third party translate for them.
• Victims may have inconsistencies in their story
• Victims may have brands, scars, clothing, jewelry, or tattoos indicating someone else's ownership
• Victims may not admit that they are victims, and may not ask for help.
Human trafficking situations can be dangerous to you if you attempt to intervene. If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-3737-888 or call 911.
