In this article, we will take a look at the 5 human trafficking cities in the US. If you wish to check out more cities as well as our detailed analysis on human trafficking in the US, go to Top 20 Human Trafficking Cities in the US.
5. Miami, Florida
Human Trafficking Crime Rate: 0.08%
Florida has been ranked third when it comes to human trafficking. Miami, in particular, has made the list of top human trafficking cities in the US. Miami International Airport is claimed to be a hub for these cases due to the heavy domestic and international travel. It is further reported that in Miami-Dade County, 67% of trafficked victims are local, and 40% are minors. 439,890 people live in Miami, and the crime rate stands at 0.08%.
4. Atlanta, Georgia
Human Trafficking Crime Rate: 0.08%
The city of Atlanta, Georgia, also faces some of the highest rates of human trafficking, making it one of the top cities in human trafficking in the US. Sex traffickers target victims and use violence along with other forms of coercion. FBI reports that the city faces one of the highest rates of children being forced into prostitution. The agency further reports that, as of 2022, 84 minor victims of sex trafficking and exploitation, 37 actively missing children and 141 adult victims of human trafficking were identified under Operation Cross Country.
3. Washington
Human Trafficking Crime Rate: 0.08%
In 2021, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received a total of 175 signals for human trafficking from Washington; 49 of whom were from victims. 233 cases were reported in the same year, while 239 cases were reported in the previous year. A prime reason Washington is a hotspot for human trafficking is its border with Canada, responsible for an annual influx of over 2,000 victims. There are also abundant ports to transport the victims, where many are subjected to labor trafficking due to the high demand for agricultural work.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Human Trafficking Crime Rate: 0.08%
According to the Human Trafficking and the State Courts Collaborative, Nevada has a 5.77 per 100,000 human trafficking rate. Las Vegas, in particular, is a hotspot for such activities. FBI regards it as one of the “13 High-Intensity Child Prostitution Areas”. Being an international travel hub, the city is a prime destination for human trafficking cases. Human trafficking cases are also expected to occur during the Super Bowl scheduled to be held in February 2024.
1. Houston, Texas
Human Trafficking Crime Rate: 0.44%
Known as a part of the “Texas Triangle” connecting Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort, Houston has the highest rate of human trafficking in the US. The three major cities connect together through major interstates where people move in large numbers, and human trafficking is seemingly easier. The Children’s Assessment Center (CAC) further notes that there are more brothels in Houston than Starbucks, and children are being traded for money every day. Given the city’s cultural diversity, it is particularly easy for victims to blend in with the community. Even worse, the city’s direct connection with the border makes the human trafficking setting largely convenient for human traffickers.
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