Human Trafficking
The Des Moines Airport Authority is committed to supporting the fight against human trafficking. As an organization, we have signed the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking pledge with the U.S. Department of Transportation while also joining the U.S. Department of Homeland Securities Blue Lightning Initiative. These programs are aimed at educating transportation employees and the traveling public to recognize and report possible instances of human trafficking.
Blue Lightning Initiative
A program of DOT and DHS' Blue Campaign and Customs and Border Protection, the Blue Lightning Initiative trains aviation personnel to recognize and respond to potential human trafficking victims through in-flight and on-the-ground reporting mechanisms. The Des Moines Airport Authority staff is a proud member of the Blue Lightning Initiative.
Recognizing & Reporting Human Trafficking
If you observe the following indicators of suspected human trafficking activity, you should report them immediately.
Indicators of Human Trafficking
- Individual without control of their travel identification and/or documents
- Individual with no freedom of movement and isolated social interaction
- Individual with difficulty articulating reasonable/logical travel plans
- A non-genuine relationship; particularly parent/guardian-child
To report possible human trafficking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week call 1-866-347-2423 (U.S./Canada). For international reporting, call 1-802-872-6199.
In the event of an emergency, call 911.
The United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Department of Transportation are Federal agencies of the United States Government and are separate and distinct entities from this Airport.