SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah's Attorney General has returned from a trip to Mexico where he is trying to increase cooperation to combat drug, human trafficking and other crimes.
Reyes was among a coalition of attorneys general who met with their counterparts in Mexico in events sponsored by the U.S. State Department.
"It helps build stronger neighbors and in that process, helps build and protect our borders and our communities," he said in an interview with FOX 13 on Friday.
The attorney general said they discussed human and drug trafficking, prosecution practices and other issues facing both the U.S. and Mexico. Reyes said Utah is a "crossroads" for crimes like human trafficking, something he has made a priority of his administration to combat.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes appearing on a panel during a conference with Mexican attorneys general. (Image courtesy Utah Attorney General's Office)
Earlier this year, Reyes traveled to Colombia to participate in a human trafficking bust. The Utah Attorney General's Office has also conducted a series of raids across the state.
Reyes said while in Mexico, he visited a "safe house" for victims of human trafficking. The home is where victims can receive shelter and help while they figure out their next steps in life. It is something Reyes said he would like to consider in Utah.
"The Mexican authorities have a very great model of a sanctuary for survivors of human trafficking," he said.
Three bills have so far been slated for drafting in the Utah State Legislature dealing with human trafficking in the state. Those bills could be unveiled during the 2016 session.
