Page 15 - The Indian EYE 091324

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 | The Indian Eye 15

Survivors Kathryn Griffin (Human Trafficking Director, Pct#1), Texas State Representative Ann Johnson, Commissioner Lesley Briones, and FBI Special
Dr Nissi Hamilton (CEO, Nissi’s Network Inc) in a discussion with Agent Torrence White discuss laws, law enforcement techniques, and community initiatives to
the moderator Sami Khaleeq tackle human trafficking.

ability of children whose parents are
incarcerated and the crucial role of
the system in protecting them. She
stressed the urgent need for commu-
nity vigilance, particularly in the face
of increasing social media influence
and drug-related manipulation by
traffickers.
The conference continued with
a second panel featuring State Rep-
resentative Ann Johnson, Harris
County Commissioner Lesley Bri-
ones, and FBI Special Agent Tor-
rence White.
Representative Johnson shared
insights from her legislative and ju-
dicial experiences, detailing the chal-
lenges of advancing anti-trafficking
legislation through complex bureau-
cratic processes. Commissioner Bri-
ones highlighted successful county
collaborations with the Houston
Police Department and local school
districts, which have led to a nota-
ble reduction in trafficking cases by
addressing vulnerable community
points. Agent White discussed the
methods traffickers use to exploit
vulnerable populations and the
FBI’s efforts to prevent trafficking Elected officials, their representatives, and community members packed the hall for an engaging dialogue on combating human trafficking.
and support victims.
The event concluded with a tackling human trafficking requires ing. trafficking.
Q&A session where panel members a comprehensive, united effort from The “Into the Light” confer- IAPAC (Indian American Politi-
fielded questions about the specif- the community. By fostering strong ence underscored the critical role of cal Action Committee) is non-profit,
ics of human trafficking in Houston. connections with neighbors and lo- community engagement in address- a non-partisan organization dedicat-
The overarching takeaway from the cal organizations, and by maintain- ing human trafficking. Through col- ed to increasing Indian American
discussion was the need for collec- ing the integrity of the social fabric, laboration and collective vigilance, civic engagement and facilitating di-
tive action. communities can make significant Greater Houston can work towards alogue between the community and
Each panelist emphasized that strides in combating human traffick- a future free from the scourge of elected officials.

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