Austin, TX — September 22, 2025 — Following the arrest of nearly 250 individuals in Florida during a multi-agency human trafficking sting dubbed “Fool Around and Find Out – Again”, the national spotlight is once again on trafficking and exploitation in the U.S.

Experts warn that the real crisis is not just in high-profile stings or sensational cases such as Epstein, P. Diddy, and the Tates, it’s in the everyday exploitation happening in communities across the country.

John Nehme, founder and CEO of Allies Against Slavery, is available for interviews and expert commentary to help media and the public understand the deeper realities of human trafficking, the systemic challenges, and the innovative solutions needed to combat it.

Moving Beyond the Epstein Files and Sensationalism

While the Epstein case continues to dominate headlines and political discourse, John urges a shift in focus toward the daily realities of trafficking:

• Exploitation in illicit massage businesses and domestic servitude.

• The role of online sex ads and escort platforms in fueling demand.

• The vulnerability of migrant workers and runaway youth.

• The need for survivor-centered, trauma-informed care.

“Human trafficking is not just a scandal or one-time event; it’s a system,” says Nehme. “We must move beyond the headlines and address the root causes that allow exploitation to thrive in plain sight.”

Understanding the Difference: Trafficking vs. Smuggling

Confusion between human trafficking and human smuggling often leads to misinformed policies:

• Human trafficking involves exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion, and can happen to anyone—regardless of immigration status.

• Human smuggling is the transportation of individuals across borders, typically with consent, and does not inherently involve exploitation.

John can help clarify these distinctions and discuss how conflating the two harms victims and undermines effective policy.

About John Nehme

John Nehme is a nationally recognized anti-trafficking advocate and social entrepreneur. As CEO of Allies Against Slavery, he led the development of Lighthouse, a data-driven platform used by over 200 organizations and 2,000 professionals to identify and support trafficking victims. He co-authored the landmark study “Human Trafficking by the Numbers” and has advised federal, state, and local government entities, spoken at national summits, and is a leader in bringing the anti-trafficking community together to collaborate on solutions.

In addition to the above, John is available to speak on:

• National trafficking trends and prevention strategies.

• The role of technology and data in identifying victims.

• Legislative gaps and opportunities for reform.

• Survivor-centered approaches to justice and recovery.

To schedule an interview or request a quote, please contact :

Tad Druart

tdruart@piercom.com

(512) 497-9880