Labor Trafficking: Strategies to Uncover this Hidden Crime
Full Report
Executive Summary
Press Release
Increase Efforts to Identify Labor Trafficking, Little Hoover Commission Says
California must improve and expand efforts to identify labor trafficking, the state’s independent government watchdog recommends in a new report.
In Labor Trafficking: Strategies to Uncover this Hidden Crime, the Little Hoover Commission calls for increased efforts to identify labor trafficking through better training, data collection, and public awareness. This is the Commission’s second report studying California’s response to human trafficking and builds upon the recommendation from its first report on the topic, released in June 2020, to create a statewide Anti-Human Trafficking Council.
“Too often, this heinous crime goes undetected, and those who have been preyed upon have nowhere to turn,” said Commission Chair Pedro Nava. “This horrible crime demands an aggressive response, and our recommendations will help California do just that.”
Labor trafficking occurs when employers use force, fraud or coercion to exert a level of control over workers that leaves them trapped in oppressive situations. It can occur in a variety of workplaces, including restaurants, construction sites, farm fields, and households, and is often very difficult to detect. Widespread unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to the conditions necessary for labor trafficking to flourish.
The Commission’s report focuses on the obstacles that make it difficult to identify labor trafficking, including a lack of enforcement of anti-trafficking laws and a lack of familiarity about the issue among government officials and the public. The report also notes that the state’s primary focus has been on combatting sex trafficking, a focus that must continue but be expanded to include labor trafficking as well.
“We need to know where labor trafficking is occurring in California and who is being affected so we can direct resources to help victims and bring traffickers to justice,” explained Commissioner Cynthia Buiza, chair of the Commission’s subcommittee for the labor trafficking studies. “More information will mean a stronger state response.”
The report also notes the strides taken by state officials to combat and deter child sex trafficking and calls for similar investment in protections for child victims of labor trafficking.
“It is crucial that all children are protected,” said Commissioner Dion Aroner, a member of the study’s subcommittee. “Nothing is more important than ensuring that California’s youngest and most vulnerable residents do not fall prey to the evil of human trafficking.”
About the Little Hoover Commission
The Little Hoover Commission is a bipartisan, independent state oversight agency created in 1962. It includes 13 Commissioners appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. The Commission’s mission is to investigate state operations and promote efficiency, economy and improved service.
Fact Sheet
Study Description
Agenda
Overview
Numerous obstacles hinder efforts to identify labor trafficking cases in the state, leaving untold numbers of victims trapped in oppressive situations. Barriers that make it difficult to identify labor trafficking cases include the lack of an aggressive state response; siloed government agencies; and a primary focus on sex trafficking. Recognizing these challenges, the Commission offered strategies to help the state better detect labor trafficking through training, public education, and other means. We recommend California increase efforts to identify this crime:
- Train officials most likely to encounter labor trafficking to serve as first identifiers.
- Increase awareness through outreach campaigns and expanded training opportunities.
- Study ways to improve enforcement of the Transparency in Supply Chain Act of 2010.
- Update laws protecting child sex trafficking victims to include child labor trafficking victims.
Written testimony from hearing witnesses can be found below in the corresponding event agenda.
(Report #226, March 2015)
In the News
- San Diego Union-Tribune, August 1, 2022, "Opinion: California must stop labor trafficking of vulnerable populations by predatory employers."
- Fresno Bee, February 9, 2022, "Fresno Democrat wants to crack down on employers that exploit workers. Will this help?"
- Arizona State University Labor Trafficking Symposium, October 20, 2021, "Legal and Policy Innovations to Combat Human Trafficking" presentation by Deputy Executive Director Tamar Foster, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley, Anh Truong, Rena Shahandeh, and Cindy Martinez Lewis of the Los Angeles City Attorney's Sex and Labor Trafficking Unit, and Panida Rzonca of the Thai Community Development Center
- Voice of San Diego, July 3, 2020, "Sacramento Report: Lawmakers Urged to Do More to Combat Labor Trafficking."
- MyNewsLA.com, June 29, 2020, “Little Hoover Commission Calls for Stronger Effort against Labor Trafficking.”
- San Diego Union-Tribune, June 26, 2020, "Commentary: Why we’re calling on California to create an Anti-Human Trafficking Council."
- San Diego Union-Tribune, December 1, 2019, “Horrors of labor Trafficking remain hidden with spotlight on sex trafficking.”
- Voice of San Diego, November 22, 2019, “Sacramento Report: Weighing Laws New and Old.”
-
May 282020Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking9:30 a.m.Public HearingAgenda
AGENDA
Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking
9:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
Online: https://littlehoover.zoom.us/j/99605804008?pwd=WnBldnlZRXBNY2RId1ZVTFJDd...
Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
Webinar ID: 996-0580-4008
Password: 826167
Public Hearing: 9:30 a.m.
Detecting Labor Trafficking
1. Dominic Forrest, Chief of the Labor Enforcement Task Force, Department of Industrial Relations (Written Testimony)
2. Jessica Fry, Attorney, California Labor Commissioner’s Office, Department of Industrial Relations
3. Patricia Alatorre, Deputy Labor Commissioner, Retaliation Compliant Investigation Unit, Department of Industrial Relations
Prosecuting Labor Trafficking Cases
- Kevin Kish, Director, Department of Fair Employment and Housing (Written Testimony)
- Amanda Plisner, Deputy Attorney General and Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator, Department of Justice (Written Testimony)
Helping Labor Trafficking Victims Access Services
- Gina Buccieri-Harrington, Assistant Manager for Grants Management, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Written Testimony, Attachment)
- Lynda Gledhill, Executive Officer, California Victim Compensation Board (Written Testimony)
Public Comments
Michael N. Feuer (Written Testimony)
Watch the Full Hearing: https://bit.ly/3dtjQOK
Public NoticeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2020
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125Notice of Meetings
On Thursday, May 28, 2020, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom, under the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act as revised by Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20.
Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the hearing by joining online or by phone. Click the URL to join online: https://littlehoover.zoom.us/j/99605804008?pwd=WnBldnlZRXBNY2RId1ZVTFJDdHZBQT09. To join via phone, call toll free from the U.S. by dialing (888) 788-0099. The webinar ID is 996-0580-4008. The password: 826167. We highly recommend members of the public access the meeting through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362233-Where-Do-I-Download-The-Latest-Version- for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
During the hearing, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the meeting. As is the Commission’s normal procedure during physical meetings, public comments will be heard at the end of the meeting, following the final agenda item, and will be limited to three minutes each.
Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Friday, May 22, 2020.
Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.
Video -
January 302020Labor Trafficking Advisory Meeting10 a.m., Controller's Conference Room #351, City Hall East, 20Advisory Committee MeetingAgenda
Advisory Meeting on Labor Trafficking
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Controller's Conference Room, Room 351
City Hall East
200 North Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Opening Session: 10 a.m.
Introductory Comments
- Pedro Nava, Chairman, Little Hoover Commission
- Mike Feuer, City Attorney, Los Angeles
Discussion: How Can the State of California Enhance Identification of Labor Trafficking?
Discussion: How Can the State of California Improve Its Response to Labor Trafficking Cases?
Lunch Break (noon – 1 pm)
Afternoon Session: 1 p.m.
Presentation: How Other State Governments Organize to Combat Labor Trafficking
- Maria Trujillo, Human Trafficking Program Manager, Colorado Human Trafficking Council (Presentation)
Discussion: What Should the State of California Borrow from Other States’ Responses to Trafficking?
Closing Remarks
Public Comments
Public NoticeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2020
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125Notice of Meetings
On Thursday, January 30, 2020, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct an advisory meeting on California state government’s role in identifying and combatting labor trafficking and assisting victims/survivors of this type of crime. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Controller’s Conference Room #351 located in City Hall East at 200 North Main Street in Los Angeles. The hearing will break at approximately noon for lunch, then reconvene at 1 p.m.
Times are approximate and subject to change. Agenda items may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.
The meeting is open to the public. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on any item on the Commission’s meeting agenda.
The Commission welcomes written comments on its study topics at any point during the study; please email written comments to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov.
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, January 20, 2020.
VideoMorning Session: https://youtu.be/DQOiY08_OAc
Afternoon Session: https://youtu.be/77OyYqHCTXA
-
November 212019Business Meetingat approximately 12:30 p.m., San Diego Central Library, San Diego,Business MeetingAgenda
AGENDA
Business Meeting
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Commission Room, 9th Floor, San Diego Central Library
330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CAThe Commission will consider agenda items I-V at approximately 12:30 p.m. Members of the public will have an opportunity to make comments about Commission agenda items during the meeting.
I. Business Meeting Minutes from October 24, 2019
II. Administrative Update
III. Project Selection
a. Update on project schedule
IV. Implementation and Impact Activity
V. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office
-
November 212019Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking10 a.m.-4:00 p.m., San Diego Central Library, San Diego, CAPublic HearingAgenda
PDF version of agenda available here (recommended for printing and downloading)
AGENDA
Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Shiley Special Events Suite, 9th Floor, San Diego Central Library
330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CAPublic Hearing: 10 a.m.
Introductory Comments
1. Toni Atkins, President pro Tempore, California Senate
Perspectives from Labor Trafficking Survivors and Service Providers
2. Angela Guanzon, Survivor Advocate (Written Testimony)
3. Renuka Zellars, Survivor Advocate
4. Jamie Beck, President and Managing Attorney, Free to Thrive (Written Testimony)
15 Minute Break
Introduction to Labor Trafficking
5. Colleen Owens, founder and CEO of THE WHY; former Senior Research Associate, Urban Institute (Written Testimony, Supplement to Written Testimony)
6. Kathleen Kim, Professor of Law, Loyola Law School (Written Testimony)
Lunch Break
Hearing Reconvenes: 1:30 p.m.
Lessons from the field: How local governments are combatting Labor Trafficking
7. Summer Stephan, District Attorney, San Diego County (Written Testimony)
8. Nancy O’Malley, District Attorney, Alameda County (Written Testimony)
9. Lynette Gonzales, Deputy District Attorney, Fresno County (Written Testimony)
10. Anh Truong, Supervising Attorney, Sex & Labor Trafficking Unit, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office (Written Testimony)
15 Minute Break
Looking Ahead: What is Needed to Strengthen California’s Response to Labor Trafficking?
11. Kay Buck, Chief Executive Officer, The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Written Testimony, Supplement to Written Testimony)
12. Jean Bruggeman, Executive Director, The Freedom Network USA (Written Testimony)
Public Comments
The hearing is open to the public, although the Commission requests that those attending register at Eventbrite.com.
Public NoticeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2019
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125Notice of Meetings
On Thursday, November 21, 2019, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California state government’s role in identifying and combatting labor trafficking and assisting victims/survivors of this type of crime. The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in the Shiley Special Events Suite located on the 9th floor of the San Diego Central Library at 330 Park Blvd in San Diego. The hearing will break at approximately 12:30 p.m. for lunch and the Commission’s business meeting in the Commission Room on the 9th floor of the San Diego Central Library. It expects to conclude the business meeting at approximately 1:30 p.m., at which time it will reconvene the hearing on labor trafficking in the Shiley Special Events Suite.
The Commission may act on any item listed on the hearing or business meeting agenda. Times are approximate and subject to change. Agenda items may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.
The hearing is open to the public, although the Commission requests that those attending register at Eventbrite.com. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on any item on the Commission’s hearing and business meeting agendas.
The Commission welcomes written comments on its study topics at any point during the study; please email written comments to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov. The Commission also welcomes written comments on any item on its business meeting agenda; please email business meeting comments by 12 p.m. on November 14, 2019, to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov.
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, November 18, 2019.
-
May 282020Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking9:30 a.m.Public HearingAgenda
AGENDA
Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking
9:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
Online: https://littlehoover.zoom.us/j/99605804008?pwd=WnBldnlZRXBNY2RId1ZVTFJDd...
Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
Webinar ID: 996-0580-4008
Password: 826167
Public Hearing: 9:30 a.m.
Detecting Labor Trafficking
1. Dominic Forrest, Chief of the Labor Enforcement Task Force, Department of Industrial Relations (Written Testimony)
2. Jessica Fry, Attorney, California Labor Commissioner’s Office, Department of Industrial Relations
3. Patricia Alatorre, Deputy Labor Commissioner, Retaliation Compliant Investigation Unit, Department of Industrial Relations
Prosecuting Labor Trafficking Cases
- Kevin Kish, Director, Department of Fair Employment and Housing (Written Testimony)
- Amanda Plisner, Deputy Attorney General and Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator, Department of Justice (Written Testimony)
Helping Labor Trafficking Victims Access Services
- Gina Buccieri-Harrington, Assistant Manager for Grants Management, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Written Testimony, Attachment)
- Lynda Gledhill, Executive Officer, California Victim Compensation Board (Written Testimony)
Public Comments
Michael N. Feuer (Written Testimony)
Watch the Full Hearing: https://bit.ly/3dtjQOK
Public NoticeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2020
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125Notice of Meetings
On Thursday, May 28, 2020, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom, under the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act as revised by Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20.
Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the hearing by joining online or by phone. Click the URL to join online: https://littlehoover.zoom.us/j/99605804008?pwd=WnBldnlZRXBNY2RId1ZVTFJDdHZBQT09. To join via phone, call toll free from the U.S. by dialing (888) 788-0099. The webinar ID is 996-0580-4008. The password: 826167. We highly recommend members of the public access the meeting through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362233-Where-Do-I-Download-The-Latest-Version- for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone.
During the hearing, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the meeting. As is the Commission’s normal procedure during physical meetings, public comments will be heard at the end of the meeting, following the final agenda item, and will be limited to three minutes each.
Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Friday, May 22, 2020.
Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.
Video -
January 302020Labor Trafficking Advisory Meeting10 a.m., Controller's Conference Room #351, City Hall East, 20Advisory Committee MeetingAgenda
Advisory Meeting on Labor Trafficking
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Controller's Conference Room, Room 351
City Hall East
200 North Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Opening Session: 10 a.m.
Introductory Comments
- Pedro Nava, Chairman, Little Hoover Commission
- Mike Feuer, City Attorney, Los Angeles
Discussion: How Can the State of California Enhance Identification of Labor Trafficking?
Discussion: How Can the State of California Improve Its Response to Labor Trafficking Cases?
Lunch Break (noon – 1 pm)
Afternoon Session: 1 p.m.
Presentation: How Other State Governments Organize to Combat Labor Trafficking
- Maria Trujillo, Human Trafficking Program Manager, Colorado Human Trafficking Council (Presentation)
Discussion: What Should the State of California Borrow from Other States’ Responses to Trafficking?
Closing Remarks
Public Comments
Public NoticeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2020
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125Notice of Meetings
On Thursday, January 30, 2020, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct an advisory meeting on California state government’s role in identifying and combatting labor trafficking and assisting victims/survivors of this type of crime. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Controller’s Conference Room #351 located in City Hall East at 200 North Main Street in Los Angeles. The hearing will break at approximately noon for lunch, then reconvene at 1 p.m.
Times are approximate and subject to change. Agenda items may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.
The meeting is open to the public. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on any item on the Commission’s meeting agenda.
The Commission welcomes written comments on its study topics at any point during the study; please email written comments to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov.
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, January 20, 2020.
VideoMorning Session: https://youtu.be/DQOiY08_OAc
Afternoon Session: https://youtu.be/77OyYqHCTXA
-
November 212019Business Meetingat approximately 12:30 p.m., San Diego Central Library, San Diego,Business MeetingAgenda
AGENDA
Business Meeting
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Commission Room, 9th Floor, San Diego Central Library
330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CAThe Commission will consider agenda items I-V at approximately 12:30 p.m. Members of the public will have an opportunity to make comments about Commission agenda items during the meeting.
I. Business Meeting Minutes from October 24, 2019
II. Administrative Update
III. Project Selection
a. Update on project schedule
IV. Implementation and Impact Activity
V. Reports from the California State Auditor’s Office
-
November 212019Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking10 a.m.-4:00 p.m., San Diego Central Library, San Diego, CAPublic HearingAgenda
PDF version of agenda available here (recommended for printing and downloading)
AGENDA
Public Hearing on Labor Trafficking
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Shiley Special Events Suite, 9th Floor, San Diego Central Library
330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CAPublic Hearing: 10 a.m.
Introductory Comments
1. Toni Atkins, President pro Tempore, California Senate
Perspectives from Labor Trafficking Survivors and Service Providers
2. Angela Guanzon, Survivor Advocate (Written Testimony)
3. Renuka Zellars, Survivor Advocate
4. Jamie Beck, President and Managing Attorney, Free to Thrive (Written Testimony)
15 Minute Break
Introduction to Labor Trafficking
5. Colleen Owens, founder and CEO of THE WHY; former Senior Research Associate, Urban Institute (Written Testimony, Supplement to Written Testimony)
6. Kathleen Kim, Professor of Law, Loyola Law School (Written Testimony)
Lunch Break
Hearing Reconvenes: 1:30 p.m.
Lessons from the field: How local governments are combatting Labor Trafficking
7. Summer Stephan, District Attorney, San Diego County (Written Testimony)
8. Nancy O’Malley, District Attorney, Alameda County (Written Testimony)
9. Lynette Gonzales, Deputy District Attorney, Fresno County (Written Testimony)
10. Anh Truong, Supervising Attorney, Sex & Labor Trafficking Unit, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office (Written Testimony)
15 Minute Break
Looking Ahead: What is Needed to Strengthen California’s Response to Labor Trafficking?
11. Kay Buck, Chief Executive Officer, The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Written Testimony, Supplement to Written Testimony)
12. Jean Bruggeman, Executive Director, The Freedom Network USA (Written Testimony)
Public Comments
The hearing is open to the public, although the Commission requests that those attending register at Eventbrite.com.
Public NoticeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2019
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125Notice of Meetings
On Thursday, November 21, 2019, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on California state government’s role in identifying and combatting labor trafficking and assisting victims/survivors of this type of crime. The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in the Shiley Special Events Suite located on the 9th floor of the San Diego Central Library at 330 Park Blvd in San Diego. The hearing will break at approximately 12:30 p.m. for lunch and the Commission’s business meeting in the Commission Room on the 9th floor of the San Diego Central Library. It expects to conclude the business meeting at approximately 1:30 p.m., at which time it will reconvene the hearing on labor trafficking in the Shiley Special Events Suite.
The Commission may act on any item listed on the hearing or business meeting agenda. Times are approximate and subject to change. Agenda items may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The meeting may be cancelled without notice.
The hearing is open to the public, although the Commission requests that those attending register at Eventbrite.com. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on any item on the Commission’s hearing and business meeting agendas.
The Commission welcomes written comments on its study topics at any point during the study; please email written comments to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov. The Commission also welcomes written comments on any item on its business meeting agenda; please email business meeting comments by 12 p.m. on November 14, 2019, to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov.
If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, November 18, 2019.