When most people think of human trafficking, they think of kidnappers and vans. They feel they could spot a victim of human trafficking easily enough; however, this is rarely the case. The reality is that human trafficking efforts occur everywhere, and much of it in public. Though it largely goes unnoticed by the untrained eye.
In the U.S., hotels have become common places where traffickers hide their activities, often without hotel staff being aware. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security stated traffickers take advantage of the privacy and anonymity the hotel industry provides.
Recent lawsuits have highlighted how frequently trafficking happens in hotels. For example, in 2024, several Red Roof Inn locations in Atlanta were sued for allowing trafficking to happen on their properties. In some of these cases, employees were being paid to ignore the activity.
A similar case was filed against Motel 6 locations in King County, Washington. Motel 6 was accused of ignoring clear signs of trafficking on their premises.
These cases show why it’s so important for hotels and their staff to be aware of the signs of trafficking. This isn’t to say that measures aren’t being taken to curb these traffickers’ efforts, but it is crucial to be aware that this problem exists within the hotel industry. Simply put, vigilance is an ally.
The Connection Between Hotels and Human Trafficking
Hotels provide traffickers with a degree of privacy and access to potential victims. Traffickers exploit the transient nature, privacy, and anonymity these establishments provide to facilitate their crimes. Hotels are commonly used for sex trafficking. According to the Polaris Project, 80% of commercial sex occurred at hotels, 20% of traffickers housed trafficking victims in hotels, and 69% of survivors used hotels when travelling.
The idea that hotel sex trafficking only occurs in rundown motels is an outdated idea. Many factors influence hotel choice. For instance:
- Location: Hotels near major highways, airports, or popular tourist destinations are prime targets for traffickers because of high traffic and anonymity.
- Temporary stays: The short-term rental model allows traffickers to move frequently, making it harder for law enforcement to track.
- Staff unawareness: Without proper training, hotel employees may miss the signs of trafficking. Or they may be unsure how to report suspicious activity.
According to Polaris, hotels and motels were the most common location of reported trafficking cases in the United States. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for industry-wide training and vigilance.
Warning Signs of Human Trafficking in Hotels
Understanding how to spot human trafficking in hotels is critical for both staff and guests. By recognizing the signs, everyone can play a role in preventing this crime and helping victims escape exploitation.
Warning Signs for Hotel Staff
Hotel staff are on the front lines of recognizing and preventing trafficking. Key indicators include:
- Frequent visitors to a single room, especially at odd hours.
- Guests paying in cash or refusing to show identification.
- A guest checking in without luggage or any personal belongings.
- Signs of distress or fear in individuals who appear to be under someone else’s control.
- Guests who seem to avoid staff interaction or are overly cautious when speaking.
Warning Signs for Hotel Guests
Guests can also play a role in identifying trafficking. While traveling, be alert to:
- Young individuals who appear malnourished, exhausted, or dressed inappropriately for the weather or location.
- People escorted to and from hotel rooms by others who seem controlling or aggressive.
- Unusual amounts of traffic in and out of a particular room.
- Hearing sounds of distress or arguments from neighboring rooms.
How to Report Suspected Human Trafficking
If you suspect human trafficking is occurring, take immediate action. The National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) is available 24/7 to provide guidance and assistance.
In the case of an emergency or an immediate response is necessary, call 9-11.
For hotel guests who suspect trafficking, it’s also important to notify hotel staff.
Take Action Against Human Trafficking
Human trafficking thrives in the shadows, but we all have the power to shed light on this crime. Whether you’re a hotel employee, guest, or concerned citizen, understanding the signs and reporting suspicious behavior can save lives.
