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In recent years, more law enforcement bodies have put together anti-human trafficking task forces. These groups not only go after perpetrators of human trafficking; they also provide support, resources, and healing to individuals who survive this form of modern-day slavery.

One of these anti-human trafficking task forces put together by law enforcement is the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST) in Flint, Michigan. Heading the organization is Genessee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.

This past Wednesday, Swanson shared with the public horrific details about Michigan man Michael Barajas. Barajas is now behind bars for engaging in human sex trafficking, along with serious additional crimes.

What to know about the arrest of Michael Barajas

Just last month, a 20-year-old young woman found herself on the streets after her housing situation fell apart. At some point, Barajas came across this young woman, offering her shelter, comfort, and security.

Instead, the Michigan man barricaded her into a room in a dirty home. Then, he invited over other people to rape and exploit this young woman. The 20-year-old made multiple escape attempts, only to be forced back into the home where Barajas held her.

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At one point, the Michigan man reportedly threatened to use his teeth (which were filed into sharp points) to tear out her throat if she did not cooperate with him.

This case is still open and ongoing. Though at some point, the young woman made it to Hurley Medical Center. After staff assessed her, they reached out to sheriff deputies in Genesse County.

This led to the arrest of Barajas. He now faces the following charges while sitting in Genesee County Jail:

• Kidnapping
• Human trafficking
• Committing a felony with a firearm
• Drug possession
• Criminal sexual conduct in the first degree
• Intentional assault meant to inflict bodily harm less severe than murder
• Assault using a dangerous weapon

Barajas' next court hearing will take place on Thursday, December 22.

However, law enforcement remains hard at work to locate and arrest the individuals who engaged in assaulting this young woman as Barajas held her hostage.

Vulnerability and human trafficking

As seen in this latest case, human traffickers' modus operandi often involves targeting vulnerabilities they wish to exploit. These vulnerabilities increase predators' propensity to fill a need, build rapport, and then isolate their victims.

After this takes place, abuse and human trafficking ultimately follow.

Anyone who wishes to report what they believe to be human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline via phone at 1 (888) 373-7888 or by text at 233733.