Traverse Project

BREAKING: Arizona has passed Prop. 313, establishing a lifetime sentence without parole, for those convicted of trafficking a minor. #traverseproject #inthenews

This fight is worth every hit, every effort, and every sacrifice—because every child is worth it. We humbly ask for your support—every dollar makes a huge difference. www.traverseproject.org #traverseproject #freedomisourlegacy #changeiscoming

GLASGOW, United Kingdom – INTERPOL today is releasing preliminary results of its largest-ever operation against human trafficking and migrant smuggling, carried out across 116 countries and territories. Operation Liberterra II (29 September to 4 October) led to the rescue of 3,222 potential victims of human trafficking and identified 17,793 irregular migrants. Authorities around the world conducted police raids, reinforced strategic border points, monitored nearly 24,000 flights and deployed officers to known trafficking and smuggling hotspots. Globally, nearly 8 million checks were carried out against INTERPOL’s databases. A total of 2,517 arrests were made during the week – 850 of which were specifically on human trafficking or migrant smuggling charges. Operational coordination units were set up in Argentina, Senegal, the Philippines and North Macedonia to assess intelligence and facilitate cooperation between countries within their respective regions and beyond. The operation also saw an unprecedented level of support from 15 specialized units from INTERPOL’s General Secretariat, partner organizations, national agencies and NGOs. INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said: “In their relentless pursuit of profit, organized crime groups continue to exploit men, women and children —often multiple times over. While still preliminary, the results of this operation highlight the vast scale of the challenge facing law enforcement, underscoring that only coordinated action can counteract these threats.” INTERPOL’s Executive Director of Police Services, Stephen Kavanagh said: “Beyond providing a snapshot of global trafficking and migration trends, the operation served as a vital capacity building opportunity for countries, fostering relationships between specialized units, and enhancing cross-agency collaboration.” #traverseproject #inthenews #humantraffickinginthenews #antihumantrafficking

On Veterans Day, we honor the bravery, resilience, and sacrifices of all who have served our nation. At the Traverse Project, we are especially proud to have countless veterans as part of our family—dedicated individuals who continue to serve by standing with us in our mission to protect and uplift those most in need. These veterans bring unmatched dedication and strength to our cause, carrying forward their commitment to justice, compassion, and the defense of freedom. To all veterans and their families, thank you. Your service inspires us daily, and we are forever grateful for the legacy you continue to build with us. #traverseproject #veteransday #freedomisourlegacy

Stop looking the other way—human trafficking isn’t a fringe crime—it’s an industry driven by greed and devoid of conscience. Don’t be deceived—it operates with a singular purpose, indifferent to anything but its own gain. We need you in this - www.traverseproject.org #traverseproject #itendswithus #freedomisourlegacy

Sold by her family as a teenager, Zarin was beaten, drugged and repeatedly gang-raped— just one of many thousands of young women trafficked in India. Her home state of West Bengal is a key trafficking hub where more than 50,000 girls are missing, the highest figure in India, according to the latest national crime records. Zarin, whose name has been changed, was sold to traffickers by her family after refusing an arranged marriage at the age of 16. “I said ‘no’, and told them I was too young,” Zarin, now 20, told AFP. On a trip she thought was to visit her sister in the Himalayan territory of Kashmir, she was instead handed over to a man. Her captors frequently drugged her to knock her out, and it was only when she hid her drug-laced meal that she realized she was being sexually abused. “I lay there, pretending to be unconscious... then I saw three or four men entering the room,” she said. “That is when I understood what had been happening to me.” She fought back that time, but was gang-raped in the days to come. Many of the missing girls are trafficked through Kolkata, state capital of West Bengal and one of India’s biggest cities—some into forced labour, others into prostitution. Zarin’s captors later sold her—she believes for less than $3,500. “They would beat me up, sexually abuse me,” she said, her voice breaking in emotion. “Speaking about this is painful.” She later escaped, and is trying to rebuild her life. #traverseproject #inthenews

We couldn't let this one end with October! Our Breast Cancer Awareness merch drop is staying live into November, giving you more time to support an extraordinary family close to our hearts here at the Traverse Project. Meet Tim and Tabitha DeMaio, a couple whose strength and kindness have been unwavering. They’re the kind of people who always put others first, and now it’s our turn to show up for them. Just two months after welcoming their beautiful son, Liam, Tabitha was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 breast cancer, which has since advanced to stage 4. Alongside little Liam, their two-year-old, Sawyer, fills their world with joy and light during this challenging time. Having recently moved away from family and friends, the DeMaios need our love and support now more than ever. Every purchase of our limited-edition shirt will directly support the DeMaio family. Let’s rally behind them—her fight is our fight. Thank you for making a difference. We couldn’t do this without each and every one of you. Link to the shirt- https://lnkd.in/ggYTV_WD Link to the Demario family go fund me- https://lnkd.in/ggMpaqPs #herfightisourfight #traverseproject #breastcancerawarenessmonth #survivors

We’re honored to welcome Remi Adeleke to the Traverse Project Advisory Board! Remi brings an inspiring life story and deep expertise to our mission against human trafficking. Born in Nigeria and later relocating to the Bronx, New York, Remi’s journey embodies resilience, having overcome profound challenges after losing his father and family wealth to government seizure. His decision to enlist in the Navy in 2002 set the foundation for an impactful career, where he served with the Navy SEALs, specializing in combat medicine and Human Intelligence (HUMINT). Since ending his successful naval career in 2016, Remi has taken his skills to new heights in film and TV consulting, directing, writing, and acting, using storytelling to bring awareness to critical issues. His unique blend of experience and dedication to justice will be invaluable to Traverse Project as we strive to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable populations worldwide. Remi is a true powerhouse; we’re incredibly fortunate to have him on board! #traverseproject #advisoryboard #nonprofits #freedomisourlegacy

More than 200 individuals were involved in simultaneous raids on Oct. 18 at nine Houston-area bars suspected of being involved in human trafficking. The joint action resulted in TABC suspending the nine businesses’ liquor licenses, and 84 suspected victims being identified. “Human trafficking is a stain on our society, and it’s unfortunately more prevalent than most Texans realize.” Four arrests were made during the raids. They all received various charges related to human trafficking, prostitution, promotion of prostitution and aggravated promotion of prostitution. “What we have created, ladies and gentlemen, is not the American Dream, but for these people it’s the American nightmare,” Lilly said. “I witnessed, myself, the deplorable conditions of these establishments. It was horrific. They look, on the outside, like a regular bar, or nightclub with a bar, a dance floor, pool tables. But behind them is a labyrinth of hidden rooms, cement floors, closet-sized with soiled mattresses. An actual house of horrors, hiding within the trap doors and secret doors of these establishments. Where these young women run through an assembly line of horrific treatment and sexual abuse. Some 30 times a day. From four in the afternoon until two in the morning. Imagine that. These are daughters. These are children, these are sisters, going through this awful experience at the hands of these cartels. But the cartels operate in the shadows, and we need to be aware of this. We need to add to the American people an awareness of this horrific crime that’s going on.” Investigators say operations like these are considered brothels, which are “extremely common” in Houston. “This is not a political statement,” Lilly said. “This is not for democrats or republicans. This is for humanity. The open border has created the American nightmare. The sense of benevolence has actually turned its evil head upon these innocent victims. For those operating these human trafficking criminal organizations, we’re coming after you.” #traverseproject #inthenews

We’re thrilled to announce that Traverse Project is an official partner of the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign. The Blue Campaign is DHS’s national public awareness initiative dedicated to combatting human trafficking through education, resources, and partnerships. They work tirelessly to provide communities with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to human trafficking, helping to protect vulnerable populations across the U.S. Our collaboration with the Blue Campaign allows us to expand our outreach efforts and build a safer, more informed future. #partnerships #traverseproject #bluecampaign #togetherwecan