Businesses that Traffic - Fourteenth Annual Human Trafficking Symposium

200 S Cascade Ave,,Colorado Springs CO 80903

23 October, 2021

Description

Businesses that Traffic will examine Illicit Massage Businesses and Colorado agricultural enterprises that exploit immigrants. This year, the Human Trafficking Task Force will examine areas of trafficking that are "hidden in plain sight" in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas during our free annual symposium. Click on Tickets on the upper right side of this page to reserve your free in-person or livestream ticket.  Illicit massage businesses serve as a front for commercial sex operations, most often staffed by women from Asian countries who are human trafficking victims. According to a KRDO investigative report, over 30 such businesses operate throughout Colorado Springs. In agriculture, migrant workers with temporary work visas sometimes endure fraudulent recruitment tactics, denial of medical care, wage theft, and threats. Finally, in a form of indentured servitude, immigrants may be forced to cultivate marijuana in local homes until insurmountable debts are paid off. Lara Mullin, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Denver Human Trafficking Unit will address the victim-centered approach taken by the Denver District Attorney’s Office that builds cases using financial crime statutes, as well as a recent Denver massage licensing ordinance that will shutter illicit businesses. State Rep. Terri Carver, Colorado House District 20, will discuss efforts to pass a state law addressing IMBs. Nhu Minh Le, Victim Assistance Program Director of the Asian Pacific Development Center will share the resources available to assist those trafficked through IMBs. Labor Trafficking in Colorado Agriculture will be addressed by Lucila G. Rosas, Senior Attorney Advisor, Office of the Chair, Charlotte A. Burrows, of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. CSPD Det. M. Adam Hughes will address the use of immigrants in illegal marijuana grow operations. FREE to attend with paid metered parking in Sahwatch Garage (credit card required.) Limited free street parking available W. Cucharras Street to the west of Centennial Hall, as well as across from the CS Independent (look for the "Great Pumpkin" statue) off Nevada and East Vermijo Ave. FREE LUNCH provided. Vendors and exhibitors will also be on-site. Register in advance to guarantee your seat.  Plans may change due to COVID19. We will inform you immediately if changes occur. We are excited to partner with our sponsors:  Lexis Nexis Cares and  Zonta Pikes Peak. Contact us at info@ht-colorado to become a sponsor. Our 100% volunteer run task force builds collaboration between organizations and individuals to reduce human suffering caused by human trafficking, through advocacy, awareness, rehabilitation, and services for survivors.