This comprehensive news story by Full Measure looks behind the scenes of an actual human trafficking rescue, organized by Saved in America. It also takes an honest look at the reality of human trafficking within the nation, affecting every single state. Border states, with bustling drug trafficking, also lead the nation in human trafficking numbers. In San Diego County, where Saved In America is headquartered, human trafficking numbers are in the thousands, which is closely tied to gang activity and drug use. In fact, according to Saved in America founder Joseph Travers, “If you want to find a human trafficker, look for a drug dealer, they are the same today.” 

The Connection Between Drugs and Human Trafficking

What many people do not know about the human trafficking industry is its correlation with drug use. Drug cartels and gangs are now simultaneously dealing in both human lives and drugs. In terms of Saved in America cases, every single one of them has involved drugs in some aspect. The traffickers begin by offering marijuana to the victims and then eventually progress upwards to ecstasy, Xanax, and eventually heroin. This creates an addict who is dependent on these predators to get their fix, which of course, helps increase the power they have over their victims. 

How Gang Members Profit From Human Trafficking

Gangs are running human trafficking rings throughout the nation. Travers explains that gang members have to earn their way into the gang, which is described as being “jumped in.” One way for aspiring gang members to do this is to recruit a victim into a human trafficking ring. Consequently, victims 13, 14, and 15 years of age are being manipulated by these predators to trust them. They will often befriend them, even at their school, convincing them that they care about them, and flattering them. This flattery quickly turns ugly when the victims are convinced to leave the safety of their home or group home to run away with these predators who they believe are their friends. 

It Takes Years to Counteract

Many of the victims will require years of counseling and other treatment to overcome the brainwashing they have experienced through human trafficking. It is a crime devastating experience that manipulates a person's feelings, thought process, and self-worth, making it much harder to fix than a less vile and personal crime.