Sen. John Cornyn Discusses Human Trafficking Legislation at Dallas Roundtable

On National Trafficking Awareness Day, Senator John CornynR-TX has partnered with law enforcement, elected officials and attorneys in Dallas to shed light on the need for more help in efforts to end human trafficking.

This call followed on from Kornin’s.”Repeal the Human Trafficking Reauthorization Act“, which expands programs that deal with this problem.

At a roundtable during his visit, Senator Cornyn said that human trafficking is happening right under our noses, in front of everyone.

“It can happen to anyone from any walk of life,” he said.

He said that during one of the biggest sporting events in the country, he realized how true this is.

“I will never forget that I was here during the Super Bowl and someone then told me that the Super Bowl is one of the biggest human trafficking events of the year, and it’s shocking,” Kornin said.

Cornyn joined Dallas PoliceDallas County, D.C. John Creso and victims of human trafficking in Letot Centeran institution that helps young people and families affected by human trafficking.

According to data from National Hotline for Human TraffickingTexas ranks second in the nation for the number of cases of human trafficking. Creso said Dallas is a hotspot because it sits at the intersection of several major freeways.

Survivor Robbie Hamilton said she was sold in Dallas at the age of 13 and held for 10 years. It was the intervention of a caring neighbor that saved her life.

“It was my neighbor who saved me,” Hamilton said. “She saw something, said something, and did something.”

Cornyn recently re-approved the Trafficking in Persons Act with Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, directing more resources to programs like those run by the Summer Center.

“I think what you’re seeing here is the moment when all hands are on deck,” Kornin said. “Whether it’s local, state or federal.”

Hamilton now has her own non-profit organization helping children and adults avoid human trafficking. She said that everyone has a role to play.

“Now I use my voice to say something, to see something, and now to do something. Because each of us can do something,” she said.

The National Anti-Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors with services and support to get help and stay safe. This number is 1-888-373-7888. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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For more information about visiting the Dallas County Summer Center.