Detroit, Michigan – As Detroit gets ready to host thousands of people for the annual auto show, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel encourages residents and who are going to the exhibit to be on the lookout for signs of human trafficking and to use available resources if they think someone might be in danger.
Big events might make it easier for trafficking to happen without anyone seeing. This is why officials stress awareness and prevention before the show opens.
Nessel said that human trafficking continues to be a common and profitable crime that hurts communities across the state. She reminded everyone to keep aware, report any strange activity, and help individuals who could be trapped in exploitative situations.
“Human trafficking continues to be one of the most profitable and pervasive industries worldwide, and Michigan is not immune,” Nessel said. “During the Detroit Auto Show and beyond, we can all do our part to recognize the signs, report suspicious activity and support survivors.”
Trafficking can involve forced labor or sexual exploitation, and it typically happens in places like restaurants, agricultural operations, convenience stores, nail salons, massage parlors, and other service-based businesses. In a lot of cases, victims don’t identify themselves as victims or don’t know how to get help.
Officials said there are signs that are often seen that may mean trafficking is going on. These can include visible injuries such as bruises or burns, lack of control over personal identification or finances, fearfulness around companions, limited ability to speak for oneself, confusion about location, or denial of abuse even when signs are present. Being able to spot these warning signs can help victims get help.
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The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission, which was set up in 2015 after the state passed a law the year before, backs Michigan’s efforts to fight trafficking. The commission has 11 members that were chosen by the governor, and Assistant Attorney General Melissa Palepu is in charge of it for now.
Some of its tasks are to study the extent of trafficking in the state, find financing sources, train specialists, go over the services provided to victims, raise public awareness, and suggest changes to state laws.
The commission has set up six public meetings for 2026. All of them will be hosted at the Williams Building in Lansing and will be open to anybody who can’t be there in person. Survivors, activists, law enforcement partners, and community members are all welcome to join workshops that will take place from January to November.
If you think you or someone else may be a victim of trafficking, you can call 888-373-7888 or text 233733 to reach the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. Michigan residents can also call the state’s tip line at 855-MICH-TIP to report any issues. The Detroit Auto Show will be at Huntington Place from January 14 to January 25. It will draw attention back to being attentive, vigilant, and responsible in the neighborhood.