Police, FBI issue human trafficking warning during auto show
DETROIT (FOX 2) - There is much excitement with the auto show in town but police say with that, comes an increase in human trafficking - and our children could be at risk
"Human trafficking is a serious issue not just here in Detroit but across this nation," said Police Chief James Craig.
But it's in Detroit that law enforcement officials are focused on right now with the auto show in town. The cars aren't the only draw; human trafficking increases significantly.
On Wednesday, Detroit police rescued two teenage girls after a tip that one of them was missing.
"The missing young lady was abducted and she was sexually assaulted," Craig said.
Craig says investigators were able to locate her and another teenage girl who were - just 15- and 16-years-old, held against their will and forced into sex trafficking.
Two men were arrested and police say they were planning to take the girls to Atlanta which is home of the next big event, the Super Bowl. That is, after they were sold for sex here in Detroit.
"During this time frame we're likely going to have approximately 30 to 40 children that are going to be trafficked just in the greater Detroit area," said FBI agent Michael Glennon.
Glennon leads the human trafficking unit for the FBI. He says during the auto show there is a 280 to 330 percent spike in the number of sex trafficking workers in this area.
"They often target girls between the age of 12 and 16," said Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones.
Jones added that boys are being trafficked as well, with many kids being targeted on social media. She's urging parents to be informed and to know who their children are talking to online. And if you see something that looks unusual - don't hesitate to call police.
"When you see something, say something. Please call 911 tell them what you have seen, tell them what it looks like, where you are, and give them as much details as you can give," said Harriet Cammock, of The Exodus Foundation.
Police say you can also report suspicious activity by calling the human trafficking hotline at 888-373-7888 or text "info" or "help" to befree that's 233733.