Human Trafficking, Mississippi 2023

Human trafficking is a grim reality in the Magnolia State, with far-reaching consequences for its citizens. In Jackson, Miss., the first annual Mississippi Human Trafficking Summit brought together over 400 local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim service providers, nonprofits, policymakers, and social workers to combat this heinous crime.

U.S. Attorney Hurst emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘Human trafficking is here in Mississippi, and sadly, it is significantly and adversely impacting the lives of many Mississippians.’ The summit aimed to train and raise awareness among the public, nonprofits, and law enforcement to prevent future trafficking, rescue and protect victims, and swiftly prosecute traffickers.

The Mississippi Human Trafficking Council, formed in September 2019, is a collaborative effort to combat human trafficking. Chaired by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi and the Mississippi Human Trafficking Coordinator, the council’s mission is to use a victim-centered, collaborative, and multi-disciplinary model to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute criminals in all forms of domestic and international human trafficking.

The summit featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Colonel Chris Gillard, Assistant Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben, U.S. Attorney Chad Lamar of the Northern District of Mississippi, and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi.

Attendees also heard from experts in the field, including Bill Woolf, Human Trafficking Programs Director at the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice, and Alexandra Perron with A21’s Freedom Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, who discussed the upcoming Mississippi Human Trafficking Council Billboard Campaign.

The Mississippi Human Trafficking Council has established several subcommittees to tackle various aspects of the issue, including Outreach and Public Awareness, Strategic Planning and Trafficking Protocol, Policy and Legislation, Training, and Victim Services. Through these efforts, the council aims to make a meaningful impact in the lives of victims and combat human trafficking in Mississippi.

As the fight against human trafficking continues, it is essential to bring awareness to the issue and work together to prevent it. The Mississippi Human Trafficking Summit is a crucial step in this effort, and its success will be a testament to the power of collaboration and determination in combating this heinous crime.

Related Federal Cases