Houston Airports Joins U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection in Wearing Blue to Combat Human Trafficking

In October 2019, Houston Airports became the first airport system in the country to formally partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its Blue Lightning Initiative.

January 25, 2024

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January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month – an important time to reflect on the resilience of trafficking survivors and recognize the efforts of those who work tirelessly to prevent and eliminate this inhumane and devastating form of abuse and exploitation.

In a resolute stand against human trafficking, Houston Airports employees wore blue on January 11th, as a symbol of solidarity with the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Together, the organizations join the Transportation Security Administration in raising awareness about human trafficking, a pervasive and heinous crime.

This initiative is part of the ongoing commitment by Houston Airports to combat human trafficking, a mission that began in 2019 when the airport system became the first in the United States to formally partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and CBP on the Blue Lightning Initiative.

Human trafficking remains a pressing issue, and U.S. airports have unfortunately become conduits for this criminal activity. Recognizing the urgency and gravity of the situation, Houston Airports has taken proactive steps to address this international crime. Houston Airports continues to prioritize training sessions and initiatives to equip its employees with the tools to identify and combat human trafficking.

"To combat human trafficking effectively, our efforts must extend beyond the terminals and into the community,” said Saba Abashawl, Chief External Affairs Officer for Houston Airports. “Houston Airports is committed to not only raising awareness within the airport but also actively engaging with our local communities to eradicate human trafficking."

The Blue Lightning Initiative, a partnership between Houston Airports, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and CBP, underscores the collaborative approach needed to address the complexities of human trafficking. By wearing blue on January 11th, Houston Airports aims to not only raise awareness but also to remind the public of the collective responsibility to combat this crime.

According to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. airports serve as key hubs for human trafficking activities. Traffickers exploit the anonymity and transient nature of airports, using them as gateways to transport their victims. Houston Airports' commitment to training its employees and engaging in community partnerships is a crucial step in disrupting these illicit activities.