UMOS, Wisconsin DOJ receive $5.1M grant to fight labor trafficking
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Labor trafficking is a rising concern in Milwaukee and across the state, with agricultural and other workplaces targeting immigrants. Now, special funding will aid a more aggressive approach to identify trafficking in Wisconsin.
UMOS and its Wisconsin Labor Trafficking Project partners have been awarded $5,121,994 from the Howard G. Buffett foundation to address labor trafficking.
Miguel Lopez-Gonzalez, a labor trafficking survivor, shared his story after years working in dangerous conditions.
"We were verbally abused and psychologically manipulated. They abused our vulnerability since we were not aware of our rights," Gonzalez said.
Many labor trafficking victims are migrants with work visas. They're forced into working long hours with little pay and strict regulations.
"The unfortunate reality is that human trafficking and labor trafficking, specifically, exists in our communities," said Attorney General Josh Kaul.
A three-year grant provides money to UMOS, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), and other organizations to aid trafficking victims and hold offenders accountable.
"We will implement a multidisciplinary team to strengthen Wisconsin's community and law enforcement capacity to respond to labor trafficking," said Mariana Rodriguez, the director of UMOS Latina Resource Center.
The grant also funds two new labor trafficking agents for the Wisconsin DOJ, one based in Milwaukee and one in Eau Claire.
"Labor trafficking cases are time-intensive, they're lengthy cases, they require significant resources," Kaul said.
A collaboration of advocates, investigators, and prosecutors allows for a targeted, victim-forward approach.
"We're all committed to working with survivors who want to work with law enforcement to ensure that cases are investigated," Kaul said.
If trafficking survivors are uncomfortable going to law enforcement, they can safely connect with victim advocates through UMOS and the multidisciplinary team.