The Line: Sex Trafficking in New Mexico

July 12, 2019 – We hear a lot about drug trafficking in New Mexico, but not as much about sex trafficking. Sex and human trafficking are global problems, and our state is not immune. Street Safe New Mexico, a local group helping women living on the streets, says sex trafficking is rampant, especially in Albuquerque. The recent federal charges against billionaire financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – whose Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County has been mentioned by accusers as a site of suspected sex trafficking – has turned a spotlight on the problem. Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists discuss ways to address this crime.

 

Line Panelists:
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima LLC
Stephanie Maez, ProgressNow New Mexico
Kristelle Siarza, Siarza Social Digital
Harry Van Buren, UNM Anderson School of Management

For Further Reading:

Sold for Sex: Sex trafficking plagues New Mexico women, but no one’s sure how many – Santa Fe Reporter

Editorial: Silver linings in news of ABQ’s seedy underbelly – Albuquerque Journal

DHS: East Central brothel raked in $200K – Albuquerque Journal

Sex trafficking victim sues Albuquerque motel – Albuquerque Journal