What is labor trafficking?
Labor trafficking has been defined by the National Human Trafficking Hotline as a form of modern-day slavery where individuals are forced to provide labor or services by force, fraud or coercion. Labor trafficking thrives in secrecy and is often a hidden crime affecting people across various industries including agriculture, hospitality, construction, domestic work, and restaurants. Victims are often forced to work under unsafe conditions, have wages withheld, or are threatened if they attempt to leave their employment. Victims of labor trafficking often live in fear of being reported for immigration issues, may lack access to their identification documents, and may have limited freedoms.
Similar to sex trafficking, there is a very high percentage of survivors who state that they knew their perpetrator, whether it was a family member/loved one, professional connection or a “friend of a friend”.
Labor trafficking also disproportionately affects immigrants, particularly those who work in agricultural, domestic services, hospitality, food and beverage, manufacturing, sales crews, and construction. Particularly, the farming industry makes up nearly 60% of the labor trafficking cases in Colorado.
To learn more about labor trafficking from individuals who have lived experience, visit This Is Human Trafficking page.
Colorado State Laws regarding Labor Trafficking
Human trafficking for involuntary servitude–human trafficking of a minor for involuntary servitude (C.R.S. 18-3-503)
(1) A person who knowingly sells, recruits, harbors, transports, transfers, isolates, entices, provides, receives, or obtains by any means another person for the purpose of coercing the other person to perform labor or services commits human trafficking for involuntary servitude.
(2) Human trafficking for involuntary servitude is a class 3 felony; except that human trafficking of a minor for involuntary servitude is a class 2 felony.
(3) It is an affirmative defense to a charge pursuant to this section if the person being charged, at the time of the offense, was a victim of human trafficking for involuntary servitude who was forced or coerced into engaging in human trafficking for involuntary servitude pursuant to this section.
Where can I report labor trafficking?
If you or believe someone you know is being labor trafficked and in immediate danger, please call 911.
For more help, contact the Colorado Human Trafficking Hotline which is available by phone at 866-455-5075 or by text message at 720-999-9724.
You can also contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-373-7888.
How the DA’s Office can help?
Our office can help coordinate with other local agencies to help community members file reports, assist with the investigation, and help provide resources. Contact the Boulder County DA’s Office at 303-441-3700.
Why it’s important to file a report?
It’s important to file reports of labor trafficking to show support, get help for victims, and for agencies to understand the scope of the problem in Boulder County.
