On Wednesday, May 13, Senator Roxanne J. Persaud partnered with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) and the Trucking Association of New York (TANY) to host TAT’s “Freedom Drivers Project”, a mobile, walk-through exhibit designed to educate the public on the realities of human trafficking and the importance of prevention through awareness and early intervention.
The exhibit exemplifies how leaders in the transportation industry are working to disrupt trafficking networks and provides practical steps on how to safely respond to and report suspected exploitation.
The event builds on ongoing stakeholder engagement led by the Senate Social Services Committee to examine trafficking-related interventions and prevention, including discussions with transportation officials, law enforcement agencies, survivor services providers, and state agencies.
The event also supports legislative efforts led by Senator Persaud, including S.2399-A, which would require human trafficking awareness education within commercial driver’s license (CDL) training curricula. S. 2399-A, pending in the Senate Transportation Committee, is supported by TAT and the Trucking Association of New York.
Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, Chair of the Senate Social Services Committee, emphasized that education is a critical tool in combating human trafficking across New York State.
“Human trafficking continues to plague vulnerable communities across New York, and law enforcement alone cannot solve this crisis. Education, prevention, awareness, and coordinated policy solutions are critical to addressing trafficking at its root, helping people recognize the signs of exploitation, intervene early, and protect those at risk,” said Senator Persaud.
“At our core, the Trucking Association of New York is a safety organization, and we are proud to stand with partners like TAT in the fight against human trafficking. As the eyes and ears of America’s roadways, trucking professionals are uniquely positioned to serve as boots on the ground, identifying warning signs, helping stop trafficking at the source, and saving lives. We are grateful for Senator Persaud’s tireless leadership and advocacy on this issue and strongly support her initiative to ensure all new CDL entrants in New York receive TAT’s lifesaving training. As we mark Youth on Transportation month this year, there is added urgency to expanding this training. With the New York Metropolitan area anticipated to host millions of visitors during the World Cup and America at 250 celebrations, equipping commercial drivers to recognize and report human trafficking is not only timely, it is essential, “ said Kendra Hems, President of the Trucking Association of New York.
“Since 2009, TAT has proudly worked alongside the transportation industry to combat human trafficking, reaching over 2.5 million individuals with our free, industry-specific training resources. We could not do this work without strong partnerships with industry, law enforcement and government agencies, and the Trucking Association of New York and Senator Persaud’s office have been two valuable such partners in reaching members of the trucking, bus and energy industries throughout New York State. Especially this month, during Youth on Transportation Safety Month, we are grateful to both of them for helping us raise awareness about the realities of human trafficking in New York, and in reaching industry members, caregivers and youth throughout the state with potentially life-saving information,” said Esther Goetsch, Executive Director of TAT.
“Human trafficking is a major public safety and health challenge. Creating more awareness along with other supports are crucial in changing the lives of survivors and our communities. This exhibit sheds light on the abhorrent practice of human trafficking. Human trafficking disproportionately impacts BIPOC communities, which is why I introduced legislation in 2023 to create a task force for missing and murdered BIPOC women. I am thankful that Senator Persaud has brought this exhibit to Albany, and I will continue to work to pass legislation that addresses this terrible issue,” said Senator Lea Webb.
“It takes an all-hands-on-deck approach to combat human trafficking, educate individuals, and ultimately save lives. I want to thank Senator Persaud and our partners in the trucking industry for their partnership to expand training opportunities and better protect our communities,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney.
“Human trafficking thrives in silence, isolation, and the idea that vulnerable people can be ignored. That is why education, visibility, and honest community conversations matter so much. In our district, we have worked to create spaces where people can better understand the realities of exploitation and the responsibility all of us share in preventing it. Initiatives like the Freedom Drivers Project help bring these stories into the light, support survivors, and remind us that public safety also means protecting people from coercion, abuse, and exploitation hiding in plain sight,” said Senator Jessica Ramos.
Photo: Truckers Against Trafficking
