Survivor of Sex Trafficking Criticizes Sen. Katie Britt for Political Use of Her Story
A survivor of sex trafficking, whose story was referenced by Sen. Katie Britt in the State of the Union rebuttal, speaks out against the political exploitation of her experience. She highlights the lack of empathy in using human trafficking for political gain and clarifies that her ordeal occurred before President Biden's term.
Alabama Sen. Katie Britt shared a story in the Republican response to the State of the Union, using it as an example of President Joe Biden's failed immigration policies. The woman in the story, Karla Jacinto, revealed to CNN that she was trafficked before Biden's presidency. She expressed her disappointment in politicians who use the issue of human trafficking for political gain, stating that they lack empathy and genuine concern for the victims.
"I hardly ever cooperate with politicians," Karla Jacinto told CNN on Sunday. She explained that politicians often only seek to use victims like her for a photo opportunity, without truly understanding or addressing the complex issues surrounding human trafficking. To her, this approach is unfair and does not provide real support or solutions for survivors like herself.
CNN’s Freedom Project, a campaign dedicated to shedding light on the issue of modern-day slavery, has featured Jacinto’s story in the past.
According to Jacinto, Mexican politicians exploited her by leveraging her story for their own political gain, and she has experienced a similar situation in the United States.
"I advocate for victims who often go unheard. I urge all government officials to show empathy towards the issue of human trafficking. Countless girls and boys go missing every day, becoming victims of trafficking and abuse, just like Britt mentioned. Before sharing such stories, it's important to understand the reality of what these victims endure," Jacinto emphasized.
Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., is seen in the U.S. Capitol during votes on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., is seen in the U.S. Capitol during votes on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Sipa
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Sen. Katie Britt acknowledges anecdote used to criticize Biden’s border policies didn’t happen during his presidency
During the Republican response to Biden’s State of the Union address, Britt mentioned a visit to the Del Rio sector of Texas where he spoke to a woman who had been sex trafficked by cartels since age 12. He criticized President Biden's handling of the border crisis, calling it a disgrace and largely preventable.
Jacinto clarified that she met the senator at a border event with government officials and anti-human-trafficking activists, not in a one-on-one setting as Britt suggested. She also explained that she was trafficked by a pimp in the United States, not by Mexican drug cartels as Britt implied. The pimp was part of a family that coerced vulnerable girls into prostitution.
Jacinto revealed that she was held captive from 2004 to 2008 during President George W. Bush's term and when Biden was a senator. CNN contacted the senator's office on Sunday for a comment.
Sean Ross, who is Britt's communications director, informed The Washington Post that the senator was referring to Jacinto and disagreed with the idea that Britt's words were deceptive.
When asked by Fox News' Shannon Bream on Sunday if she intended to imply that the incident occurred during Biden's presidency, Britt replied, "No, Shannon," and then went on to criticize the president's border policies.
Britt explained that she had a conversation with a woman who shared her experience of being trafficked at the age of 12. She emphasized that she did not refer to the woman as a teenager, young woman, or grown woman, but simply as a woman who was trafficked at the age of 12.
In response to inquiries from CNN, a spokesperson for Britt's office did not confirm or deny whether Britt was recounting Jacinto's story. However, the spokesperson stated that the story shared by the senator was deemed to be completely accurate.
CNN’s Sam Fossum contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the political exploitation of human trafficking victims, as exemplified by Alabama Sen. Katie Britt's use of Karla Jacinto's story in her criticism of President Biden's immigration policies. Jacinto has expressed her disappointment in politicians who use victims' experiences for political gain, emphasizing the lack of empathy and genuine concern for their well-being. This practice, as she points out, is unfair and does not provide meaningful support or solutions for survivors.
It is crucial for politicians and the public to approach the issue of human trafficking with sensitivity and a deep understanding of its complexities. Victims deserve compassion, support, and access to resources that will help them heal and rebuild their lives. Their stories should not be used as mere political pawns to advance agendas. Instead, they should serve as a call to action to address the root causes of human trafficking and provide comprehensive support for survivors. pervasive issue.
