Nebraska officials ‘recommit’ to ending ‘illegal evil’ of human trafficking

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Gov. Jim Pillen gathered in the Nebraska State Capitol on Friday to recognize January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

They were joined by numerous state senators, law enforcement agencies, child advocacy centers and leaders from government agencies to watch Pillen sign the official proclamation.

“It is difficult for many to believe that human beings are trafficked in Nebraska,” Hilgers said. “They are bought and sold and treated as property, forced against their will by those who think they own them. Each year in January, we gather to recommit ourselves to doing all in our power to work to end this illegal evil and no longer allow it to thrive in the shadows.”

SEE ALSO: Court docs: Two teen girls were repeatedly sex trafficked at Omaha hotel

In 2024, officials said 12 defendants were convicted of felonies for human trafficking-related charges.

There are also human trafficking-related prosecutions in Dawson, Douglas, Hall, Lancaster and Platte counties.

The Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline, 833-PLS-LOOK, is a tool people can use to help fight human trafficking.

Last year, 113 calls were made from citizens seeking to report signs of human trafficking.

SEE ALSO: Six arrested in Omaha sex trafficking investigation