American Human Smuggling, The Ugly Truth: Facts and Fears

Dr. Jarrod SadulskiPhoto byLaw Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcas

West Palm Beach, Fl - Human smuggling and sex trafficking are urgent issues, particularly at the U.S. border with Central and South America. In this revealing podcast episode, Dr. Jarrod Sadulski, a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer and expert in human trafficking, discusses the stark realities of this crisis.

Dr. Sadulski's distinguished career includes intercepting human smugglers and slave traffickers. He is a national public speaker, expert witness for the U.S. Congress, published author, and professor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. His ongoing research and consultancy in global counter-trafficking provide a deep understanding of these complex issues. The interview is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the show's website.

In the podcast, Dr. Sadulski shares both hard facts and practical advice on identifying the warning signs of sex trafficking and protecting children from this widespread threat in America. With over two decades of federal law enforcement experience, he frequently conducts research in Central America, Mexico, and along the Southwest border, offering insights into current trafficking trends. His expertise led him to testify before Congress in November 2023 about the human trafficking crisis at the Southwest border.

Human trafficking is a severe problem in Central America, where many adults and children flee extreme poverty, violence, and intimidation. Migrants often face the risk of being kidnapped or trafficked as they attempt to reach the United States, leading to exploitation in the sex trade, domestic servitude, or forced labor. Dr. Sadulski's unique perspective is enriched by his work with mission teams in Central American prisons, where he gains insights from former human traffickers about the operations of cartels and trafficking networks.

The scope of this crisis is alarming. According to UNICEF, most migrants originate from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. In the first half of 2018 alone, 96,216 Central American migrants, including 24,189 women and children, were repatriated from Mexico and the United States. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that 85% of Central American women seeking asylum in the U.S. come from areas controlled by armed groups, heightening their risk of trafficking.

Human smuggling is a lucrative industry for transnational criminal organizations, posing significant threats to U.S. border security and public safety. It involves illegally bringing noncitizens into the United States and unlawfully transporting and harboring those already in the country. This crime often leads to further illegal activities, including identity theft, document fraud, gang activity, financial fraud, and even terrorism.

Smugglers prioritize profit over human safety, exploiting legitimate trade and travel routes, providing fake identification documents, and charging exorbitant fees for dangerous journeys. Human trafficking, a related crime, involves stealing freedom for profit, with traffickers using deceit, fraud, or physical force to exploit victims for commercial sex or labor. The Polaris-operated National Human Trafficking Hotline and BeFree Textline reported 8,759 cases in 2017, involving over 10,000 victims and nearly 5,000 traffickers. However, these numbers likely represent only a small fraction of the actual problem.

Vulnerable populations, including recent migrants, substance users, individuals with mental health issues, and homeless youth, are particularly at risk. Traffickers often exploit these vulnerabilities to create dependency and control over their victims.

To learn more about combating human trafficking and protecting the vulnerable, listen to "American Human Smuggling Facts and Fears: The Ugly Truth" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or any major podcast platform. Join us to hear Dr. Sadulski's expert insights on addressing this critical issue and supporting those affected by these heinous crimes.

This revealingl discussion, available on major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It can also be heard as a free podcast on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website.

You can listen to the conversations on law enforcement subjects and navigate the complexities of trauma recovery through the nationally syndicated law enforcement talk radio show's enriching and free podcast serieslisten to the conversations on law enforcement subjects and navigate the complexities of trauma recovery through the nationally syndicated law enforcement talk radio show's enriching and free podcast series.

Attributions

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Unicef

Homeland Security