Chairs Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C-Riverhead) and Assemblyman Ed Flood (R,C- Port Jefferson) held the first meeting of the Assembly Minority Conference Task Force on Human Trafficking on “U.N. World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.”

Human trafficking cases are difficult to quantify, as so many victims remain unknown. According to the latest available numbers in 2021, the New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking reported there were 295 confirmed cases, while the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 404 cases of human trafficking involving 639 victims. Most of these victims were sex trafficked. More recent numbers are unknown, as the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking has not issued an annual report since 2021, which is required by law.

“Human trafficking is a crime with so many silent victims who are lost with little hope. For the hundreds who are identified in our state annually, how many more remain undiscovered? As a Task Force, we will explore, with the help of experts and stakeholders, what more New York can do to combat human trafficking and support survivors of these horrific crimes. The many perspectives shared around the state will help us develop legislation and policy recommendations to ensure more people are helped and do not fall victim to human trafficking,” said Maher, ranking Minority on the Committee on Social Services and member of the Committees on Children and Mental Health.

“Our Task Force on Human Trafficking is as much a fact-finding mission as it is to raise awareness within our communities that these crimes against vulnerable women and children exist right here in our state. Hearing from individuals from many disciplines working to help victims and prevent trafficking is going to give us a better understanding of the true problem at hand. No matter their walk in life, people deserve to be safe and free. I hope the legislation we develop will move New York state that much closer to a place where trafficking is brought to light so it cannot thrive in darkness,” said Walsh, who is a child advocate in her home county and sits on the Committees on Education and Mental Health.

“Many New Yorkers have been, and still are, unaware of just how fast the human trafficking epidemic is growing within our communities, which is why I am incredibly pleased with the tremendous turnout of today’s Human Trafficking Task Force event. Witnessing such a diverse group of experts, law enforcement and community leaders come together fills me with great hope and optimism in tackling this heavy-hitting and ongoing issue our society faces. I am truly happy we were able to address this critical issue, provide comprehensive support to affected parties, and most importantly, begin to create meaningful legislation with appropriate penalties for traffickers to combat this crisis as a whole,” said Giglio.

“I was proud to co-host this immensely important task force. Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes imaginable so we must do everything in our power to rid this scourge from earth. I want to thank all the stakeholders who participated today as well, their insights and unique perspectives are invaluable in our fight against human trafficking,” said Flood.

Assemblymen Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) and Doug Smith (R,C-Holbrook) were in attendance. Among the stakeholders presentwere Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (District 6), Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney and other assistant district attorneys, Undersheriff Keith Taylor, several investigators from both the County Sheriff’s Office and Suffolk County, and representation from ECLI-VIBES, Safe Harbour EAC-Network, Axis Church, Parents for Megan’s Law, Northwell Heath System’s Human Trafficking Education, Advocacy, Response Training Program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Brentwood High School, Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT) and The Retreat.

“Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that thrives in the shadows, exploiting vulnerability and robbing individuals of their freedom. I am grateful to the Task Force for traveling our state and working to develop a comprehensive plan to confront this critical issue. We will equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to combat this crime, ensure justice for victims, and take decisive steps to protect New Yorkers,” said Smith, ranking Minority member on the Committee on Education.

 “Human trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable among us. Long Island’s proximity to major transportation hubs and dense population have unfortunately made it a hotspot for trafficking activities in recent years. Recognizing the issue is only the first step; we must commit to taking decisive action to combat this grave injustice. The task force meeting in Suffolk County represents a crucial opportunity to make significant strides in eradicating human trafficking and protecting our communities,” said DeStefano.

The Minority Task Force thanks its venue partner, Stony Brook University, for providing the space for this important discussion to occur. There is an upcoming task force event on July 31 in Nassau County at Nassau Community College. Additional task force meetings are planned for New York City, Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and Western New York.