Tilley: Targeting Human Traffickers

Like many Missourians family is of the utmost importance and we would go to great lengths to protect them. This week we debated and passed a bill that would protect others who have been lost by their families. House Bill 214 expanded and strengthened the laws and penalties related to human trafficking.

Human trafficking often conjures up all sorts of horrible images; human beings packed into confined areas and shipped like cargo, individuals being forced to work dangerous jobs for no pay, women and children being sold in the sex-trade, and forced servitude at a despicable level.

These things are happening in Missouri; in fact we have cases in Blue Springs, Lebanon, Kansas City, and Branson. The criminals are primarily targeting and exploiting immigrant communities and immigrants wishing to come to our country.

One of the most difficult problems with human trafficking is that it is hard to recognize things out of the ordinary, but it could be an individual’s housekeeper, or the maids at a hotel, or activities done outside the light the day.

Many ask how could this happen, but the answer is that the American Dream is very powerful. Many people throughout the world believe if they can just make it here, they will get a good job, have their own home, and be able to provide for their families.

Unfortunately, the criminal element also knows how powerful the American Dream really is. Sometimes they promise a young mother they will pay her way to the United States and even have a job waiting for her and her child when she gets here. Unfortunately, what actually awaits them is living nightmare. In addition, sometimes these criminals will outright kidnap people and some parents or individuals will separate their families purposely to try and achieve success.

Surprisingly we have seen an increase in these “human trafficking” cases in Missouri - this is unacceptable. This is exactly why this week we passed HB 214 because we need to do everything we can to keep this terrible crime from becoming more common.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve here in the House of Representatives. As always, I welcome your comments. You may reach me at 573-751-1488, send your e-mails to steven{dot}tilley{at}house.{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at the Missouri House of Representatives, State Capitol, Room 308, Jefferson City, MO 65101.