Skip to main content

UNO Researchers Lead In-Depth Study on Labor Trafficking in Nebraska

Drs. Kulig and Hashimi.

Drs. Kulig and Hashimi

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline’s most recent report, over 7,500 reported cases of human trafficking were verified in the United States last year. University of Nebraska at Omaha faculty in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice are conducting a two-year study on one form of human trafficking, known as labor trafficking, that may be occurring in Nebraska. The team led by Dr. Teresa Kulig and Dr. Sadaf Hashimi received a $500,000 grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to enhance the state’s ability to identify and respond to labor trafficking cases more effectively.

The study, titled “An Assessment of Labor Trafficking in Nebraska,” gathers critical insights by interviewing key stakeholders, including service providers and trafficking survivors, to understand how these crimes are being carried out and the challenges in detecting and addressing them. The team is surveying a wide range of sources to understand the nature of labor trafficking, including the industries involved and the individuals most at risk.

“We are filling significant gaps in our understanding of labor trafficking, particularly regarding the experiences of victims and the pathways of exploitation they face,” Kulig said. “With the support of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, we’re laying the foundation for future efforts to combat labor trafficking in Nebraska.”

As the study progresses over the next eighteen months, Kulig and Hashimi will develop actionable recommendations and serve as a valuable resource for law enforcement, community agencies, and organizations committed to combating labor trafficking, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to improve their responses and better support victims.

UNO Study Offers First-Ever Look Into Labor Trafficking in Nebraska

Aug. 28, 2025

UNO researchers are shining a light on labor trafficking in Nebraska, revealing how victims are exploited and how communities can fight back.

📝 Read the article

Individuals attend the Labor Trafficking in Nebraska announcement.