VIDEO: It was stepped up training for first responders as they learned to spot human trafficking at airports.
Miami-Dade firefighters are helping combat a sad reality.
“It does exist, it is a daily crime that is hidden right in our backyard,” said Jessica Barriel, of the Miami-Dade Police Department Human Trafficking Squad.
MDPD trained the firefighters at a crucial place, the airport, Thursday. According to officials, 70% of victims are trafficked through airports.
Miami International Airport is no exception.
Florida ranks third in the U.S. in human trafficking cases reported, and Miami-Dade reported the most cases in the state.
Recently, MDPD officers arrested a couple accused of recruiting and then traveling with a 17-year-old girl to solicit sex clients. They were caught at a Northwest Miami-Dade motel.
In December, a man, Monriko Clements, who also goes by a rapper name, King Swuice, was arrested, accused of bringing a young woman to Miami to sell her body.