House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Gang Violence and Human Trafficking

On July 20, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations held a hearing, “Gangs in Our Communities: Drugs, Human Trafficking, and Violence.” The hearing discussed several issues regarding gang violence, including involvement in sex trafficking, noting that young girls often are targets.

The following witnesses testified:

• Kenneth Blanco, acting assistant attorney general, Criminal Division, Department of Justice;
• Marc Vanek, board advisory member, Midwest Gang Investigators Association, Illinois Chapter;
• Chris Marks, captain, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; and
• Gary Slutkin, founder, Cure Violence.