By Aaron Earls
It was just another day at the American Airlines ticket desk for Denice Miracle, except for two girls she saved from a human trafficking plot.
Miracle said two girls, aged 15 and 17, approached her desk on August 31 last year. They were trying to board a flight to New York with only a small number of bags, no form of identification, and no adult guardians.
The tickets, both first class, were purchased online with a credit card different from any name provided by the teens.
It didn’t add up for Miracle, so she called the police.
When the police arrived, the teens admitted a man they met on Instagram bought their tickets. “Drey” had promised them $2,000 to model in a music video.
A few minutes after authorities attempted to contact “Drey” on social media, he erased all of his social media profiles.
The two girls were reunited with their parents, who believed the girls to be spending the night at a friend’s house.
What can you do? To combat human trafficking, stay aware of your surroundings and look out for things that seem troubling, as Miracle did.
If you suspect trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Trained hotline volunteers ask questions to determine whether a specific scenario warrants involving the local police. If it does, they’ll notify the appropriate authorities.
Learn how to identify and respond to those being exploited. “Recognize the Signs” is a helpful overview posted by the nonprofit Polaris anti-trafficking organization at PolarisProject.org/recognize-signs.
This video from the Michigan State Police drives home the point.
Related:
- Human Trafficking Swings Community Outreach Door Wide Open
- Shelters for Trafficking Victims Aid Their Healing
- Ministry Battles Sex Trafficking at Hotels and Motels
- Human Trafficking: The Cost of a Job
AARON EARLS (@WardrobeDoor) is online editor of Facts & Trends.
