KCRW Investigates
Burned: Trafficking
At only nine years old, "Diana" struggled under the weight of heavy food trays at a local pupusería in Pacoima. Often thought to be a relative working for family, Diana was in fact a victim of child labor trafficking. Purchased by a family friend for $10,000, she was smuggled into the US from El Salvador.
By Karen Foshay • • 7m ListenNow 13 years old and living in foster care, "Diana," a victim of child labor trafficking, recalls earlier years of working long hours with only one day off a week. Due to her demanding work schedule, she was held back in third grade, which is something that still troubles her. "That bothers me a lot because I didn't do anything wrong to deserve this." Labor trafficking is grossly unreported due to cultural isolation and fear. When customers see kids working, they assume they're family, In part five of Burned: Abuse in LA's Restaurant Industry, reporter Karen Foshay looks at trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery "hidden" in plain sight.
Find more features at KCRW.com/investigates.
Audio production for this series by Myke Dodge Weiskopf.
The series is supported by a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
Photo: A young victim of trafficking. (Karen Foshay)