On Jan. 11, Houston Airports continued its commitment to combating human trafficking. Employees wore blue shirts to show support for the Blue Campaign. The Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners to recognize the  indicators  of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. The Blue Campaign works closely with Department of Homeland Security, DHS, components to develop general  awareness trainings, as well as specific educational resources to help reduce victimization within vulnerable populations. 

In October 2019, 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 in October 2019, 1,908 direct employees and an additional 12,478 concessions, airline and other employees have been trained in recognizing and reporting human trafficking – totaling 14,386 staff.  

Houston Airports’ Chief External Affairs Officer Saba Abashawl said the airport system continues to be vigilant in its efforts to combat human trafficking through prevention, protection and partnership with an emphasis on awareness through education. 

“Innocent lives are being exploited, abused, and taken every day by this tragedy,” Abashawl said. “We have a responsibility to do everything that we can to combat human trafficking. Houston Airports’ staff are trained to be on the lookout for the signs – recognition can lead to rescue and we will remain committed to the work.” 

Houston Airports affirms its commitment to using its best efforts to assist in the fight against human trafficking, in accordance with the City of Houston’s zero tolerance policy.  Abashawl said the airport system stands in support of the victims of human trafficking and assists in the detection and reporting of all suspected human trafficking activities. 

Houston Airports promotes awareness of the signs of human trafficking and closely coordinates with stakeholders as well as local and federal authorities.  

Anyone suspecting human trafficking activities or who needs assistance should call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888; TTY:711; text the hotline at 233733; reach out to www.humantraffickinghotline.org/chat; use the hotline’s anonymous online reporting form at https://humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking; or contact the Houston Police Department by calling 911. 

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