Case Explained: Trafficking survivors, law enforcement push for stricter laws, stronger support in 2026 – Legal Perspective

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Human trafficking is a global crisis, but experts warn there are criminal operations underway right here in Michigan.

Law enforcement, survivors and state leaders gathered in Lansing on Thursday to talk about their efforts to put an end to human trafficking.

Their message during the roundtable discussion was clear: progress is being made, but there are significant challenges when it comes to supporting victims and prosecuting traffickers.

“He was 43. When he gets out, he’s 53. That’s very young. He’s been doing it his whole life, and he’s probably not going to stop at 53,” said Irene Faziani, a human trafficking survivor.

Faziani said human traffickers like her abuser would not have the opportunity to re-offend if the state of Michigan passes stricter trafficking laws.

The attorney general’s office is trying to take that step.

“So currently it’s on the D grade, because it’s a 10-year offense, so we are trying to bump that up to a B grade, because we’re going to make it a 20-year felony offense,” said Melissa Palepu, assistant attorney general.

However, bills introduced to increase fines and sentencing guidelines for violating commercial sex laws remain stalled at the state Capitol. Palepu said proposals were introduced in both the state House of Representatives and Senate with bipartisan support, giving her hope that they might be taken up by the Legislature this year.

People working to end human trafficking in Michigan said a lack of legislative action is one of many obstacles getting in the way of their efforts.

Karen Moore from Sanctum House said they also want to see more cooperation from federal partners.

“We are in the middle of some major cases, and the victims are looking for updates and there are no answers to the phone calls,” Moore said.

Still, Michigan State Police said their efforts have produced results. They conducted nine investigations in 2025 and assisted with four local investigations, including a successful illicit massage parlor sting across the metro Detroit area.

In the new year, Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team volunteer Angela Dudley wants to see a greater focus on victim support, ultimately leading to more criminals caught.

“It takes months. Months to get services in place for them, and then we wonder why 80% of them go back to human trafficking before we get help for them,” Dudley said.

Officials from across the state have set a number of goals for 2026 to try and curb trafficking, including finding more emergency housing for survivors.

They also want to reform state licensing for businesses with high levels of trafficking, including the beauty and massage industries.

Michigan has its own human trafficking hotline. If someone is a victim of human trafficking and needs help, they can text or call 855-VOICES-4 to get connected with resources.

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