Traverse Project

The fight against human trafficking demands evolution. Traditional methods have failed to address the core issues, allowing this crime to grow into the second-largest global criminal enterprise after the drug trade. Data serves as a critical force multiplier in disrupting trafficking networks, yet these networks continue to evolve, improving their ability to evade detection. Human trafficking thrives on secrecy, fragmented responses, and the inability of systems to work cohesively across borders. Traffickers exploit the vulnerabilities of victims and the gaps in enforcement, making their networks highly adaptive and resilient. To confront this challenge, we must replace outdated methods with solutions that prioritize agility, precision, and collaboration. Harnessing the power of data is not just a tool but a necessity to expose hidden patterns, dismantle networks, and provide a lifeline to those trapped in exploitation. This January, during Human Trafficking Prevention Month, join the Traverse Project in the mission to lead victims to freedom. By leveraging data and collaboration, we can dismantle trafficking networks, provide hope to survivors, and create a future where freedom is a reality for all. #traverseproject

We’re honored to welcome Daniela Londoño to the Traverse Project Advisory Board! Daniela is a Senior Police Executive and Psychologist with a Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Protection Systems, reflecting her unwavering commitment to advocating for fundamental rights and social justice. She has collaborated on international initiatives across the Americas and Europe to combat human trafficking, engaging in the exchange of best practices, building support networks, and developing strategies to address this global issue. Daniela’s expertise includes dismantling transnational criminal organizations, analyzing complex criminal networks, and ensuring justice and protection for victims. Her dedication to restoring autonomy and dignity to survivors of human trafficking is both inspiring and essential to our shared mission. We are excited to have Daniela’s profound knowledge, passion, and vision guide our efforts at the Traverse Project. #traverseproject

This Holiday, we are reminded of a powerful truth: there is hope for a ruined humanity. The message of Christmas is one of light piercing through the darkest nights, of redemption, and of an unwavering promise that no matter how broken the world may seem, healing is possible. At Traverse Project, we see this hope every day in the fight against human trafficking and the protection of vulnerable lives. It’s a fight that requires courage, perseverance, and faith in a better future—a fight we do not undertake alone. To our supporters, partners, and advocates: thank you. You are the reason this hope takes form. Through your generosity, prayers, and unwavering support, lives are being transformed. You remind us that together, we can push back the darkness. This Christmas, may you be filled with the joy of knowing that your efforts bring hope to those who need it most. Let’s continue to stand together, inspired by the belief that every life is precious and worthy of rescue. Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your families,
The Traverse Project Family

This week, as we gather with family and friends, let’s pause to remember the thousands of women and children who won’t feel safety or joy this season. They are trapped in the horrors of human trafficking. For them, Christmas isn’t a reality—it’s a distant dream. This truth is hard to confront, but we cannot turn away. The discomfort we feel pales in comparison to the reality they endure. Honesty is powerful, and together, we can harness that power for change. We need you in this fight. Every dollar, every effort, every shared story makes a difference here at Traverse. Your support allows us to do what we do best—stopping the monsters that prey on the vulnerable, exploit the innocent, and destroy lives. Let’s give them a chance to believe in joy, love, and freedom once again. Will you join us? #traverseproject

Meet Sarah Comeau, Our Program Director for Task Force Red Hand. Sarah Comeau is a force of leadership, resilience, and advocacy. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and tribal consulting, Sarah brings unmatched expertise in strategic planning, policy development, and process improvement to the fight against the MMIP crisis. A proud Lakota woman from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, Sarah’s work is deeply rooted in her heritage and dedication to uplifting Indigenous communities. She’s not only a Registered Nurse with a Master’s in Health Administration and Project Management but also a powerful voice for change, recently sharing her perspectives on Lakota culture and the Western lifestyle in published works. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sarah is a mother, a ranch horse trainer, and a steadfast advocate for justice. Her leadership of Task Force Red Hand embodies her commitment to creating safer futures for Indigenous people. We are honored to stand beside Sarah in this critical mission. #traverseproject #taskforceredhand #mmip #freedomisourlegacy

Two famous real estate brokers and their brother have been charged with sex trafficking in a case involving the alleged drugging, assaulting and raping of dozens of women over more than a decade. Prosecutors say Tal and Oren Alexander, who are known for selling high-end properties in New York and Miami, along with their brother Alon, used their wealth to take advantage of women. The brothers were arrested in Florida on Wednesday and are expected to be taken to New York to face the charges. "As of today, law enforcement has interviewed dozens of women who reported being forcibly raped or sexually assaulted by at least one of the Alexander brothers," said Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, at a press conference in Manhattan. "This conduct, as alleged, was heinous." On Friday, two of the brothers were granted bond after their father put up his mansion as collateral. The county bond agreement allows for Alon and Oren Alexander to be held on home confinement pending trial. However, they will continue to be held in jail on federal charges for now, according to Miami media outlets. The prosecutors say the alleged crimes were committed over more than a decade. The indictment describes a scheme that involved inviting women to parties as well as using the promise of luxury experiences and travel to lure them to locations in the US and abroad where the alleged assaults happened. It also says they procured drugs and provided them to the women and, at times, "surreptitiously" put them in drinks. Finally, prosecutors also say that in some instances the brothers "physically restrained and held down their victims during the rapes and sexual assaults and ignored screams and explicit requests to stop". Immediately after the assaults, the brothers allegedly provided some of the victims with concert tickets and other luxury items. The three brothers are being charged with one count each of engaging in a sex trafficking conspiracy, and a second count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Tal Alexander is also charged with a further count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. #traverseproject

We are honored to welcome Hilda Baker to our Traverse Project Advisory Board. Hilda brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our mission, with an impressive career in international relations, public policy, and governance. Her dedication to public service and her entrepreneurial spirit have defined her journey, from managing successful commercial enterprises to serving on the Board of Directors for the Haitian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2005, Hilda founded HB Consultants, a research and consulting firm specializing in public policy, governance, and lobbying. Her profound understanding of the Haitian government, combined with her vast network, has made her an indispensable resource for both diplomatic and private sector organizations. Hilda’s diplomatic career included assignments in French Guyana, and she also served as an advisor at the University of Haiti (UEH), where she helped organize research forums and develop Editions de l'UEH, an academic journal providing critical socio-economic analysis. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on education and policy dialogue in Haiti. In 2012, Hilda was appointed Director General at the Ministry of the Interior, where she oversaw decentralization policy, immigration, civil protection, and governance across Haiti’s ten provinces. After her government service, she continued her work as a political advisor, focusing on critical issues such as Haiti’s fragility, Dominican Republic/Haiti relations, and advancing effective public policy. Hilda’s passion for creating impactful change aligns perfectly with the Traverse Project’s mission. We are excited to have her leadership, vision, and expertise as part of our team. #traverseproject

This holiday season, as you hold your children close, remember the thousands of kids who won't experience safety or joy—they're trapped in human trafficking. It’s a reality we can’t ignore. This topic isn’t comfortable, we get it— but honesty has a power that very few people can handle. We need you in this. Join us in taking action to protect these children and bring them home. They deserve freedom, not fear. www.traverseproject.org #traverseproject

We’re thrilled to announce the official partnership between Task Force Red Hand and 4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue —a collaboration that will bring groundbreaking impact to the fight against the MMIP crisis in Indigenous communities and beyond. Founded by the incredible Bernadine Beyale, a Diné (Navajo) woman and trailblazer in the world of canine training, 4 Corners K9 specializes in training elite detection dogs for search, rescue, and recovery operations. With a deep commitment to justice and community protection, Bernadine and her team have built a reputation for excellence and innovation. Together, Task Force Red Hand and 4 Corners K9 will combine advanced technology, specialized canine teams, and community-focused strategies to strengthen efforts in combating this crisis. These highly trained K9 units will enhance the ability of Tribal law enforcement and support agencies to locate victims and disrupt trafficking networks. This partnership represents a bold step forward in addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and trafficking across the United States. We’re honored to stand alongside Bernadine and 4 Corners K9 in this vital mission. #taskforceredhand #4cornersk9searchandrescue #partnershipforjustice #mmip #k9detection #communityimpact #traverseproject

Protecting the Innocence of Iraq’s Children A proposed law in Iraq has sparked international outrage, as it seeks to lower the legal age of consent from 18 to as young as 9 years old. If enacted, this law would legalize child marriage and exploitation, putting countless young girls at risk and stripping them of their rights and futures. Child marriage is a profound violation of human rights that traps children in cycles of abuse, poverty, and inequality. No child should be forced into marriage, losing their chance at safety, education, and a life of their choosing. The Traverse Project is unwavering in its commitment to ending all forms of child exploitation. We fight to protect vulnerable children and to amplify their voices. Join us in calling for justice, advocating for change, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up safe and free. Read the full article at https://lnkd.in/gs4gsuGg #traverseproject