Human trafficking is a $150 billion industry propped up by morally bankrupt people committing heinous crimes, many of which involve children. Our nation’s failing border stimulates this industry, as well as our lenient state laws on human trafficking and Denver’s status as a sanctuary city. As a result, not only is Denver a sanctuary city for migrants, but our state is becoming a “sanctuary state” for human traffickers. These factors put an unacceptable burden on the citizens and undocumented immigrants living here.

I am not proposing we give undocumented immigrants the same privileges and rights as citizens. Instead, I am proposing we punish human traffickers who are currently depriving both migrants and citizens of basic human dignity.

As mentioned above, Colorado has some of the most lenient human trafficking laws in the country. In Colorado, “crimes of violence” are subject to enhanced sentencing. Unfortunately, human trafficking isn’t currently included as a crime of violence. As a result, human traffickers face harsher punishments under federal law and the laws of many states, including our liberal neighbor California, which recently passed SB 14 to make the trafficking of a minor a serious felony. It is time to address this issue in Colorado, which is why I am introducing Senate Bill 35 with bipartisan support.

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Human trafficking is a personal issue to me as a legislator and man of faith. As a legislator, my job is to represent the people, be a voice for them and protect their rights. As a man of faith, I am called to serve in a similar fashion, to be a voice for the voiceless and defend the rights of the destitute (Proverbs 31:8). Senate Bill-35 does just that by extending the statute of limitations and giving enhanced sentencing ability for human trafficking crimes.

Since 2014, when Colorado human trafficking statutes went into effect, more than 250 cases have been filed, with only 50 (20%) of these cases resulting in a conviction. From 2020 to 2022, more than 50 children were found to be victims of human trafficking, and only 13% of human trafficking cases filed in this period led to a conviction. These numbers show we are moving in the wrong direction, and as a Coloradan, I know we can do better.

Senate Bill-35 extends the statute of limitations, which is a crucial step in making sure human trafficking victims, especially those experiencing delayed disclosure, have a voice and the chance to receive justice. Delayed disclosure exists in 32% of human trafficking victims. It is defined as “dissociation and delayed memory recall, stigma and shame, victim blaming, cultural considerations, criminalization of survivors, and trust and safety.” Between delayed disclosure and a 13% conviction rate, it’s safe to assume the number of children who are victims of this crime is higher than 50. This is unacceptable, and as a state, we need to rally on common ground. We can all agree no child (let alone 50-plus) should ever be subject to this inhumane practice.

As parents, family members and friends, we can’t imagine our loved ones in this situation. Unfortunately, the children and people who are being trafficked often don’t have loved ones to support them or be a voice for them. In some cases, their loved ones are the people who abuse and silence them. This is true for citizens of our state and the undocumented immigrants currently living here. Senate Bill 35 gives these people a voice and a chance at justice while offering a deterrence to criminals participating in this horrific crime.

I am proud to introduce Senate Bill 35 because it tells victims, regardless of citizenship status, that we, as legislators, stand with them and are proud to do this when no one else will. For too long, we have failed to convict these depraved criminals. Not holding criminals accountable is a slap in the face to survivors, victims and their families. Therefore, I encourage my fellow legislators to unite and support Senate Bill 35. It is time for human traffickers in our state to hear the message: “God’s children are not for sale!”

Byron Pelton, a Republican, represents District 1 in the Colorado state Senate.