Human Trafficking

In this opinion piece, I examine the growing effort to frame prostitution as a progressive cause and argue that the commercialization of vulnerable people should never be mistaken for empowerment. Drawing on high-profile cases involving Jeffrey Epstein, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Harvey Weinstein, R. Kelly, and Robert Kraft, I explore how wealth, celebrity, and power often enable exploitation while masking coercion behind the language of choice. I also highlight the important work being done by organizations such as the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Safe House Project, Voices Against Trafficking, and Enough Is Enough to combat trafficking, support survivors, and expose the realities of sexual exploitation. Ultimately, I challenge readers to confront the broader systems of trauma, poverty, abuse, and demand that continue to fuel human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, while asking whether society is willing to acknowledge that not every profitable market is morally acceptable.

Human trafficking at the U.S. southern border is not just a humanitarian crisis, it is a growing national security threat. As criminal networks exploit vulnerable migrants, they also create pathways that terrorists and bad actors can use to evade detection. Treating trafficking and border security as separate problems leaves Americans, and victims, at risk.

Human trafficking is not a distant tragedy, it’s happening in our own neighborhoods. With global crime networks expanding and local awareness still lagging, millions remain trapped in modern slavery. This Op-Ed from Chris Meek challenges us to open our eyes, recognize the signs, and take action. Because the traffickers are counting on our silence.

The tidal wave of undocumented migrants who were crossing America’s southern border reached a record in December, topping more than 300,000 people. That was, of course, only a percentage of the people illegally flowing into the country through a hydra-headed human smuggling network.

It’s funny how a single phrase can influence and even guide the course of a life. For me, that phrase was uttered by my mom. “We might not be able to change the world today, but we can change the world around us,” she would say often as I was growing up.

With the unprecedented increase in 21st Century slavery and to help increase global awareness of human trafficking, I want to personally invite you to a very important Zoom event hosted by Voices Against Trafficking(VAT).

Voices Against Trafficking: the Strength of Many Voices Speaking As One collects insights, stories, and frontline knowledge from trafficking survivors, human rights advocates, and journalists.

Even if you don’t live near our nation’s southern border, you undoubtedly hear frequently about human trafficking.