Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking on January 11 with #WearBlueDay

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of Public Affairs

Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking on January 11 with #WearBlueDay

WASHINGTON – On Saturday, January 11, The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign will host #WearBlueDay, its largest one-day awareness initiative of the year. #WearBlueDay encourages the public to wear blue – the international color of human trafficking awareness – and post photos of themselves, or with friends, family, or colleagues, on social media with #WearBlueDay to raise awareness of this heinous crime. Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery and every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked around the world, including right here in the U.S. DHS is committed to fighting this human rights abuse through its many Components but also through public awareness and education. To achieve this goal, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will soon release its first strategy to combat human trafficking, the importation of goods produced with forced labor, and child sexual exploitation. This document will articulate the Department’s priorities over the next five years to more effectively and efficiently combat the growing threat of these illicit activities to our Homeland. Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf pictured with staff representing the DHS Blue Campaign and the Office of Public Engagement. The Blue Campaign contributes to the Federal mission of combatting human trafficking by providing public awareness materials, at no cost, to increase recognition and reporting of human trafficking. It also collaborates with law enforcement and the private sector to train frontline employees on how to respond to suspected human trafficking. For more information on #WearBlueDay and Blue Campaign, visit www.dhs.gov/bluecampaign. To report suspected human trafficking, contact the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line: 1-866-347-2423. For victim assistance, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).

Arizona Capitol Dome Lit Blue for Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Throughout January, the Arizona State Capitol Dome will be lit blue in recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Arizona’s efforts to combat human trafficking, protect victims’ rights, and bring greater awareness and attention to this horrific crime.

"Thanks to the dedicated efforts and support of partners across our state, Arizona continues to be a national leader in the fight to end human trafficking," said Governor Ducey. "I want to thank the Arizona Human Trafficking Council, Cindy McCain, Arizona’s law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders for their ongoing, collaborative efforts to identify and support victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure we are providing appropriate resources to all affected by human trafficking. 


Together, we can put an end to this heinous crime.”

Since 2015, the Arizona Human Trafficking Council has led targeted statewide human trafficking prevention and awareness efforts. Under the leadership of Co-chairs Cindy McCain and Gil Orrantia, Director of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security, the Council has worked to raise public awareness towards victims’ services, develop a victims’ service plan, evaluate statewide human trafficking data, and support greater collaboration among stakeholders.

"Thank you to Governor Ducey for his proclamation of January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and for directing the Arizona Capitol to be lit blue to raise awareness of the horrors of human trafficking,” said Mrs. McCain. “Arizona remains a leader in developing innovative methods to fight human trafficking in all its forms. We have made tremendous progress and I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Governor to prevent human trafficking in Arizona and punish those who perpetrate this horrendous crime.”

To date, the Arizona Human Trafficking Council has provided trainings and awareness presentations to over 31,000 professionals and community members statewide. During 2018, the Council increased outreach efforts to Arizona’s tribal nations, expanded victim access to critical housing and medical services, and connected over 3,000 stakeholders, including tribal communities and students, to resources and training materials.

Click here to learn more about the Arizona Human Trafficking Council.

To report trafficking or get help, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. 

Click here to read the Human Trafficking Prevention Month proclamation.