ALBANY – A law enforcement task force combating human trafficking has been formed, headed up by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
It is comprised of members from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, police departments in the Capital District and includes the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office.
“We realize there is a need to combat this issue not only in Ulster County but throughout New York State,” said Ulster Sheriff Juan Figueroa. “Human trafficking involves our immigrant communities who are vulnerable to the illegal sex trade and unfair labor practices.”
“Human trafficking is modern day slavery,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Antoinette Bacon. “Ruthless traffickers use force, lies, threats, coercion, and sometimes even drugs to force victims into a life of commercial sex or tedious labor. Victims are trapped; and they need our help to reclaim their freedom.”
Bacon said they launched the task force during the 10th Annual National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, to enhance law enforcement’s ability to dismantle human trafficking networks and to help restore victims’ lives.
