(WHITE TWP., NJ - January 10, 2024) - January 2024 was proclaimed “Human Trafficking Prevention Month” by the Board of County Commissioners tonight.

Human trafficking robs millions of their freedom, enriches transnational criminals, and threatens public safety and security everywhere, the Commissions noted in their proclamation. In observing Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Commissioners urge residents to help raise awareness as the County renews its dedication to eliminating such abhorrent acts, stands by victims and survivors, and works to ensure that traffickers are held responsible for their crimes.

Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer, who accepted the proclamation from county Commissioners Jason J. Sarnoski, Lori Ciesla, and Director James R. Kern III, noted that “Even though we live in a beautiful place, these things do happen here. They happen all over the country.” Pfeiffer thanked the commissioners for supporting the effort, adding, “With the support of the community, we should be able to make a dent in this. The key is really being vigilant. Making sure if you see something, say something.”

Kern said that while Warren is a rural, beautiful county, it is crossed by major interstate highways and “so much goes on that a lot of people aren’t aware of.” Combatting human trafficking requires agencies to work together to catch the criminals who participate in these acts, he said, adding, he was thankful the county Prosecutor’s Office is working with local police departments, State Police and federal partners.

“It’s important for us to bring awareness to this issue, because it can happen anywhere,” Ciesla said. New Jersey is a corridor for goods and people coming in from other countries, so vigilance is needed to watch for people who are victims of trafficking.

Sarnoski said that New Jersey’s liberal laws have made the state a safe haven for human traffickers, and praised the strong stand the Prosecutor’s Office is taking against trafficking.