WISCONSIN — Men, women and children are being trafficked for forced labor across the U.S. and in the Badger State. In most cases, it’s a crime that’s hidden in plain sight. 

One family of three living in the Milwaukee area has experienced this firsthand. They credit the kindness of strangers for saving their lives. Their real names are not being used to protect their identity as they work with an attorney to obtain a new visa that lets them stay and work in America. 

What You Need To Know

  • In fiscal year 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security opened more than 1,300 human trafficking investigations, which is up from around 1,100 the year before 

  • In Wisconsin, tips reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline steadily increased from 2019 to 2021

  • Milwaukee Police data shows cases of human trafficking were up 32% in November compared to the same time last year

  • A recent $5.1 million grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation will be used by United Migrant Opportunity Services, or UMOS, and its partners to combat labor trafficking in Wisconsin

For several years, “Sam” consulted for a company in Texas while he and his wife still lived in Bangladesh. After their daughter was born, the employer reportedly offered Sam the opportunity to work for them in the U.S.

“It was the best dream a parent can have from our situation,” Sam said.

Facing possible religious persecution as Christians in their home country, the family came to America on a temporary work visa.

But Sam and his wife claim after a few weeks living with and working for the employer in Texas, things got bad. Sam called it a really dark time and a “horrible situation” they couldn’t leave.

As he laid out in a sworn declaration for a Department of Homeland Security agency, Sam claimed he was ordered to work at all hours. He said his family’s living conditions were horrible and that over a one-year period, he was only paid five times.

At one point, Sam’s wife said she had to find food from the trash can for her daughter and herself. 

According to Sam, the business owners eventually hit some financial trouble and planned to close down. Sam and his family ended up in Milwaukee in the dead of winter, with almost no belongings and little money. 

A plea for help on social media led this family to UPLINK Ministries in Menomonee Falls. Church members met with the family and one offered them a place to live. The family credits UPLINK with saving their lives.

Church members said the relationship also had a profound effect on their church.

“They’ve taught us so much. Their humility, their love, their gentleness, their humor,” said Pastor Kevin Byrum. 

In the fiscal year of 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security opened more than 1,300 human trafficking investigations compared to around 1,100 in 2021. The Department of Justice also reported a bump in cases.

In Wisconsin, tips reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline steadily increased from 2019 to 2021.

And in the state’s biggest city, Milwaukee Police data shows cases of human trafficking up 32% in November compared to the same time last year. 

To combat labor trafficking in Wisconsin, a recent $5.1 million grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation will be used by United Migrant Opportunity Services, or UMOS, and its partners for education and direct outreach. It will also aim to streamline statewide complaints about businesses that might be trafficking workers. 

Mariana Rodriguez is the director of UMOS’ Latina Resource Center. She said the nonprofit advocacy group has served more than 150 victims in the last four or five years.

However, Rodriguez said there’s still a lot of work to do.

“We just need to really strategize, bring more awareness, more training, more education and then we’ll start to see more cases,” she explained.

Most of the time, labor trafficking victims live in the shadows, not knowing where to turn for help. Their temporary work visas are tied to an employer. Leaving puts the workers in violation of their visa. In other words, they are no longer legally in the U.S.

For now, Sam and his family continue to be supported by members of their church. Sam’s attorney filed for a T visa over the summer. It would allow the family to work legally in the U.S. and give them a path to citizenship. 

Sam also filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor about his unpaid wages and labor law violations — but he said he has yet to hear back.

UPLINK Ministries is accepting donations to help with the family’s needs until they get a new visa. Those interested in donating should designate their donation to “Benevolent Family.”

If you believe you’ve witnessed human trafficking, officials want you to reach out. There are a number of ways to do so:

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