IRC staff briefs Florida Senator on Human Trafficking issues

On Friday, December 2nd, the IRC in Miami was invited to brief Florida Senator Marco Rubio on the issue of human trafficking. Regina Bernadin, Program Manager of the anti-trafficking program, was asked to speak on the plight of foreign-born victims who are enslaved in South Florida. Local and federal law enforcement along with partner social service agencies were also asked to speak on their work in the community. Each speaker tried to convey the importance of continuing to support anti-slavery legislation and funding for protections for victims. Senator Rubio sent out a press release in regards to the meeting and stated: “Florida is particularly impacted by this atrocious practice of modern day slavery, as traffickers prey on the large number of teenage runaways here,” said Rubio.  “We must continue doing everything we can to raise public awareness of a problem that is right under our noses, and also enact public policies to support law enforcement, better coordinate their efforts at all levels, assist victims and combat this horrendous crime at home and abroad.”
 
The IRC in Miami is committed to helping victims of human trafficking go from harm to home and working with its partners to eradicate slavery within the United States. We are thankful to Kristi House, our partner who hosted the event and Senator Marco Rubio for the opportunity to discuss our work on combating human trafficking.