Cuellar announces $1M for human trafficking research program at TAMIU – Shelton Herald

Each gave their fair share of excitement for the program as they said they are looking forward to getting it rolling.

Texas ranks among the highest in the nation when it comes to human trafficking, and this program is being created in the hopes those who are future educators, health care workers, law enforcement, etc. can receive an evidence-based curricula on the matter.

The program is meant to enhance post-secondary degree programs for those who are more likely to encounter human trafficking victims in their careers.

TAMIU President Dr. Arenaz opened the press conference and gave a few reasons as to why TAMIU would be the best location to hold and conduct the human trafficking research program.

“Our geographic proximity to the border, we have some of the best experts within our faculty. We have great collaborations with local and state law enforcement agencies,” Arenaz said. “We are grateful to Congressman Cuellar for his support and for making this project a priority.”

Following Arenaz's opening statements, Sharp took his time on the podium to praise and thank the congressman for all the work he has done.

“It is difficult for me to imagine any official who has done more for TAMIU and the system than Henry Cuellar. It's amazing,” Sharp said. “The list goes on, and he obviously loves this university and has done marvelous things.”

Cuellar is a graduate of TAMIU and taught at the university as well. He's also previously been involved in helping fund STEM initiatives along with other federal grants into the university for the 2021 academic year.

In attendance for the event were numerous law enforcement and health care workers. Cuellar acknowledged their presence and stated they were the target demographic the program wants to reach.

“We really, really appreciate what you and Dr. Arenaz do, because (human trafficking) is a problem,” Cuellar said. “It is a problem, especially in this area with the border of Laredo.”

With Laredo being dubbed by many as the ‘Gateway City,' this is positive economically but it also allows for the illicit to occur, San Miguel said. Human trafficking is an issue statewide, but with Laredo being a direct gateway to the border, there is a much higher rate and risk.

The new human trafficking research program will certainly aim to further educate those enrolled on the matter and find ways to counter the rates in Laredo and statewide.

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