Why Hotels Are Key in the Fight Against Human Trafficking?
BUSINESS ENDING SLAVERY and Trafficking is offering a free version of its “Inhospitable to Human Trafficking” training for hospitality employees. Any hospitality worker can now access the 30-minute online video through BEST’s website.
The hospitality industry sees frequent human trafficking incidents because traffickers use hotel premises to commit crimes and house victims, BEST said in a statement. The non-profit aims to give more hotel employees the tools to address this crime.
“Inhospitable to Human Trafficking is designed to equip hotel staff in various roles to recognize indicators of human trafficking and take effective action,” said Kirsten Foot, BEST’s CEO and executive director. “People who take this training are better able to assist victims while protecting themselves, their guests, colleagues, and hotel."
Sex trafficking is not the only form of trafficking that occurs in hotels, BEST said. Controllers of people forced to work in other industries also use hotels. For example, traffickers running sales or construction crews may house workers in hotels and abandon them if they fail to meet a quota. Labor trafficking victims are often financially controlled and made to work for little or no pay.
Labor and sex trafficking victims have reported staying at hotels during exploitation and not being acknowledged or assisted by staff, the statement said. It is important that staff understand both forms of trafficking to recognize the specific indicators of each. Training hotel employees to identify and respond to signs of trafficking can help prevent such situations.
Hospitality staff can register and complete the English- or Spanish-language course at their own pace.
The AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking initiative has delivered more than 2 million anti-trafficking training sessions to hotel employees nationwide and contributed more than $2.2 million to support survivors, according to its website.
In November, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and its technology committee, Hospitality Technology Next Generation, released an updated Staff Alert Device Buyer’s Guide to help hoteliers choose personal safety devices.
City councilman criticized for anti-Indian comments
Summary:
INDIAN AMERICANS are protesting Palm Bay, Florida, City Councilman Chandler Langevin’s social media posts calling for the deportation of people of Indian background. AAHOA opposed his remarks, saying its members are American entrepreneurs who create jobs, support local economies and serve communities nationwide.
The current controversy is related to Langevin’s Sept. 26 on social media in which he said “Deport every Indian immediately,” according local media reports. Another post from Sept. 28 stated, “There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States.”
Langevin also faced controversy over previous comments he made about Islam and “left-wing evil.” The city council and Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina heard from members of the community calling for Langevin’s removal at Thursday night’s council meeting, according to the local media.
In a post on X, Langevin said he stood by his statements and “Palm Bay will not become Dallas or Dearborn.” He then listed his accomplishments during the 10 months he had served on the council, including removing fluoride from the water and “Initiating self DOGE of the city,” referring to the Department of Government Efficiency created by President Donald Trump.
“There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States,” Langevin wrote on X. “They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians. America for Americans.”
Indian Americans are citizens and neighbors who exemplify American values: hard work, family, entrepreneurship and community service, AAHOA said in a statement.
“From small business owners and medical professionals to veterans, engineers, teachers and community leaders, they contribute not only to the economic vitality and cultural richness of Palm Bay and Brevard County, but also to the civic fabric that strengthens communities,” the association said.
“The recent comments made by Langevin are unacceptable, divisive and have no place in Palm Bay—or anywhere in America,” AAHOA said. “Calls to 'cease Indian migration' or 'deport every Indian immediately' are factually wrong and echo language that has led to violence and persecution in history. America’s strength comes from its diverse population, and attempts to demean or exclude communities based on heritage go against the nation’s principles of freedom and equality. We stand with the community in Palm Bay and across Florida. Hate has no home here and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every resident feels safe, respected and valued.”
John Torres, Florida Today’s opinions and engagement editor, called for action.
“It’s time for the people of Brevard County and the state of Florida to petition Gov. Ron DeSantis to remove this malignant keyboard warrior from public office,” he wrote. “We must address the Indian question,” echoing Adolf Hitler’s phrase “the Jewish question,” which justified the “final solution”—genocide. “This isn’t the first time Langevin’s rhetoric has crossed my desk. I chose not to write the first time to avoid publicizing his comments. But no more.”
Brevard politicians also condemned Langevin’s remarks, Florida Today reported.
"Our family stands with our local Indian community," Congressman Mike Haridopolos said. "They always put family first, work hard, value education and support local charities." State lawmakers
State Reps. Brian Hodgers and Monique Miller echoed those sentiments.
"These comments do not reflect the values of our state or community," Hodgers posted on Facebook. "Indian Americans are integral to Florida as business owners, professionals and neighbors. I stand with my friends in the Indian community and denounce these remarks."
"I stand with the Indian-American community,” Miller wrote. “You have built your businesses, lives and families in Brevard County, demonstrating shared values of liberty, community and enterprise. You are respected and I salute you."
A U.S. Commerce Department report showed Indian visitors to the U.S. fell 8 percent in June 2025 to 210,000, the first drop this millennium excluding the COVID-19 period.