Executive Summary
- The “Light Up the Night” vigil was held in Flint, Michigan, to raise awareness about human trafficking.
- The Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST) has arrested 265 individuals since 2018.
- Law enforcement officials stressed that traffickers are often trusted individuals rather than strangers.
- Advocates called for increased legislative support in Lansing to protect victims.
Community leaders, law enforcement officials, and advocates gathered in Flint, Michigan, on Friday for the annual “Light Up the Night” vigil, an event designed to honor survivors of human trafficking and reinforce the necessity of year-round vigilance against exploitation. Organized by the Genesee County Human Trafficking Taskforce, the ceremony underscored the prevalence of trafficking within local neighborhoods and schools.
Angela Dudley, co-chair of the taskforce, emphasized that the issue is not remote but exists within the immediate community. “We are here to call our community to action, because ending exploitation takes commitment,” Dudley stated, highlighting the resilience of survivors whose courage drives the taskforce’s ongoing efforts. She noted that awareness must extend beyond annual events to become a daily priority for the region.
Operational data provided during the vigil highlighted the scale of law enforcement response in the region. According to taskforce officials, the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST) has arrested 265 individuals for attempting to engage in sexual acts with a minor since the unit’s inception in 2018.
Deputy Mackenzie Rose of GHOST addressed the methodology often employed by traffickers, dispelling the myth that perpetrators are always strangers lurking in the shadows. Rose explained that trafficking frequently begins with trust, involving individuals who are close to the victims. “People who manipulated them, groomed them and exploited them,” Rose said, noting that the crime often survives by remaining invisible and close to home.
The event also featured testimony from Leyna Luttrull, a survivor and educator, alongside calls for legislative support in Lansing to enact policies protecting victims. Dudley urged the public to support bills aimed at securing safety and justice for survivors, stating that silence is not an option when victims have no voice.
Community Safety & Legislative Outlook
The emphasis on “trusted individuals” rather than stranger abduction represents a significant shift in public awareness strategies regarding human trafficking. By highlighting that exploitation often occurs within familial or social circles, law enforcement aims to improve early detection and reporting rates. Furthermore, the push for legislative changes in Lansing suggests a move toward systemic reform to complement the tactical enforcement operations carried out by units like GHOST. It is important to note that all individuals arrested or charged in connection with criminal investigations are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
