Nassau Standard

Chairs Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston), along with Nassau County Host Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st A.D.), convened experts and officials to discuss the impact of human trafficking in Nassau County and Long Island. Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz (R,C-Oyster Bay) was also present.

Human trafficking cases are difficult to quantify, as many victims remain unidentified. According to 2021 data from the New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, there were 295 confirmed cases, while the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 404 cases involving 639 victims. Most of these victims were sex trafficked. More recent numbers are unavailable since the Interagency Task Force has not issued an annual report since 2021, despite a legal requirement.

“Human trafficking is a crime with so many silent victims who are lost with little hope. For the hundreds who are identified in our state annually, how many more remain undiscovered? As a task force, we will explore, with the help of experts and stakeholders, what more New York can do to combat human trafficking and support survivors of these horrific crimes. The many perspectives shared around the state will help us develop legislation and policy recommendations to ensure more people are helped and do not fall victim to human trafficking,” said Maher.

“Our Minority Task Force on Human Trafficking is as much a fact-finding mission as it is to raise awareness within our communities that these crimes against vulnerable women and children exist right here in our state. Hearing from individuals from many disciplines working to help victims and prevent trafficking is going to give us a better understanding of the true problem at hand. No matter their walk in life, people deserve to be safe and free. I hope the legislation we develop will move New York state that much closer to a place where trafficking is brought to light so it cannot thrive in darkness,” said Walsh.

“I am grateful to Assemblymembers Maher and Walsh for putting this vitally important task force event together. Human trafficking is a scourge that plagues our society, and we must do everything in our power to put a stop to it. In order to do this, we must listen to all perspectives from stakeholders and concerned citizens, which this task force will achieve,” said Curran.

“Human trafficking is one of the most critical issues facing our state and the Long Island region today, and now more than ever, it is important for us to find practical solutions to help victims and survivors,” said Blumencranz. “Events like this are imperative for making sure victims’ voices are heard and survivors get the support they need. I will continue working with law enforcement, stakeholders, and partners in government to end this crisis.”

Stakeholders present included Sheriff Anthony J. LaRocco; investigators from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office; detectives from the County Police Department; representatives from the Special Victims Unit Bureau of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office; executives from organizations such as Safe Center LI, Family & Children’s Association, EAC Network; Northwell Health; S.T.R.O.N.G Youth Inc.; among others.

The Minority Task Force thanked its venue partner, Nassau Community College, for providing space for this discussion. A previous meeting occurred on July 30 in Suffolk County. Additional meetings are planned for New York City, Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and Western New York.