• by Laurie Sullivan  @lauriesullivan, July 19, 2011

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched two public service announcements Tuesday as part of a public awareness campaign designed to educate citizens about human trafficking. Calling it a fight against "modern-day slavery," the campaign aims to encourage public vigilance in Web banner ads on popular Internet sites, as well as in TV spots, billboards and more.

The ads, created with feedback from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will run across North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Washington DC. When asked why the ads won't run in California or in southwestern states, CBP Public Affairs Spokesperson Jaime Ruiz said Washington officials are attempting to reach people in emerging Hispanic markets where labor trade has increased.