Officials stress visitors remain vigilant, know the signs of human trafficking at Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — As thousands of visitors flock to the Twin Spires, Kentucky officials warn attendees to remain vigilant and aware of the signs of human trafficking.

Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion, and Kentucky State Police states that human trafficking becomes a higher concern surrounding large events due to the increase in both foot and vehicular traffic.

According to the 2024 Kentucky Statewide Human Trafficking Data Report, Derby Day is often cited as being associated with human trafficking. Arrest data from 2010 through 2022 shows a total of 27 human trafficking arrests within the Louisville metro and Jefferson County. Although the dates for all arrests made are unknown, at least one was made during derby week.

The governor’s office noted that as many as 24.9 million men, women, and children are sold into “prostitution, domestic servitude, or other forced labor around the globe.”

“Every single person deserves to be safe—and to be free,” First Lady Britainy Beshear said. “This weekend, as we celebrate one of our most special traditions, we also have the chance to change lives and save lives by staying alert for signs that someone is being held against their will or without full control of their choices. Remember, if you see something, say something because together, we can stop this horrific crime and look out for those who are most vulnerable.

According to the governor’s office, there are three main forms of trafficking prevalent in Kentucky:

• Labor Trafficking: Victims who are coerced into work to meet basic needs or to fund drug habits.
• Sex Trafficking: Victims who are forced into commercial sexual acts through threats, pressure, or manipulation, often by someone they know, including romantic partners or family members.
• Familial Trafficking: Based on reports made to the Department for Community-Based Services in Kentucky, it involves a trusted family member exploiting a victim for profit, often in exchange for drugs, money, or other benefits.

“Human trafficking is not just a crime; it is an attack on human dignity,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “Traffickers prey on the vulnerable using manipulation, violence, or deception, and we will target these individuals using law enforcement collaboration, intelligence, and resources.”

Since taking office in 2019, the Beshear-Coleman administration has awarded more than $149 million in grant funding to victim service agencies and provided these services to approximately 323,000 Kentuckians who are victims of crimes such as human trafficking.

“Kentuckians have a legal duty to report suspicions of children involved in the commercial sex trade to Kentucky Department for Community Based Services and to local law enforcement,” the governor’s office wrote. “Other concerns about possible trafficking activities should be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.”

To reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

If there is an emergency, call 911.