On January 11, Houston Airports continued its commitment to combating human trafficking. Employees wore blue shirts to show support for the Blue Campaign.  

Houston Airports was the first airport system in the nation to partner with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Lightning Initiative- a public outreach campaign to combat human trafficking. The Blue Lightning Initiative is the launch pad for training that provides Airport staff information on what to look for, what to do when they see it, and who to call. Since Houston Airports became a partner, 1,052 direct employees and an additional 1,139 concessions, airline and other employees have been trained in recognizing and reporting human trafficking – totaling 2,891 staff. 

In December, Houston Airports participated in "Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation," a virtual forum hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The stakeholder event included 700 people with representation from 47 states and 10 countries, including many transportation and nongovernmental organization leaders. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao opened the forum with introductory remarks.  Houston Airports’ Chief External Affairs Officer Saba Abashawl discussed the airport system's continuing efforts to combat human trafficking through prevention, protection and partnership with an emphasis on awareness through education. 

For more information visit https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/blue-lightning-initiative.