Indiana AG warns of human trafficking ahead of Brickyard 400

INDIANAPOLIS (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning fans to be alert for signs of human trafficking while attending the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis this weekend.

“Big events like the Brickyard bring out the best of Indiana – but can also attract the worst kinds of criminals,” Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “Traffickers often take advantage of these large events to operate in plain sight. This is more than a law enforcement issue – it’s a community effort. The more eyes watching for human trafficking, the better chance we have to save lives.” 

To keep Hoosiers safe during one of the state’s biggest events of the year, the Office of the Attorney General is sharing these key signs of trafficking from the U.S. State Department.

The state department says key signs of trafficking include individuals who:

• Appear submissive, fearful, or unable to speak freely, often avoiding eye contact.
• Live in cramped or poor conditions, often with their employer or handler.
• Show signs of physical abuse, malnourishment, or restricted movement.
• Give scripted, inconsistent, or rehearsed answers when questioned.
• Are minors engaged in commercial sex acts or seem overly controlled by someone nearby.

“This is about protecting children, women, and men – who are being manipulated, coerced, and sold,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Indiana is no place for traffickers, and we need every Hoosier to report suspicious activity and help stop this crime.” 

Attorney Rokita encourages people to immediately report suspected trafficking to local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

The race is slated for 2 p.m. Sunday.