Community Action Partnership: March 2026 

CAP, March 10, 2026

Community Action Partnership met and were educated on the challenges and resources available related to human trafficking in the Valley.

We welcomed guest speaker John Meza, CEO and President, Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network (AATN). He previously served as Chief of Police for the Mesa Police Department, and also held the position of Inspector General for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, overseeing efforts to prevent, detect, and investigate fraud, waste, and abuse, while ensuring the security of all DES facilities.

AATN combats human trafficking through education, prevention, and victim support initiatives, and the education piece is what Meza hoped would help the nonprofits and businesses help AATN to identify potential incidents and victims.

The organization focuses on three pillars: Prevention, Intervention, and Enforcement

Adjunct groups and resources available within AATN include:

• Just Men AZ - intercepting buyers to steer them from using minors and others as “products” to traffic.
• CEASE AZ - training cities and municipalities; create ordinances that prevent businesses from operating illicitly
• CSI - youth education for prevention
• SAFE action project - hospitality travel and tourism training (nearly 97% use hotels); online training here
• TRUST - training and resources for community stakeholders

Meza explained that trafficking is not only in reference to sexual exploitation, but also labor. He cited that the most concerning trend is the rise in interest for children. The Phoenix Valley is particularly challenging because high tourism events can spike activity. Stats can be difficult to compile because of the population involved AZ is also a transit hub w I-10 and I-17

Businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and food service industry, should train employees on what to look for in order to alert authorities to potential trafficking. Among those listed were people who seemed overly tired or disoriented, and looking to the person they are with to be permitted to speak; people without their own means of payment, or even their own phones; and “branding” with tattoos or other markings.

Anyone is encouraged to reach out to AATN’s tip line (1-800-4AZ-TIPS) , which has received 7,033 case management calls, 1,279 hotline calls, 665 unique clients, 31 minors, 62 tips files since 2022.

Summary provided by Denise Konkol.