Every state is now a border state. What happened in New Orleans on New Year's could happen in Alabama. Think – Mardi Gras, Senior Bowl, Iron Bowl. Rock the South, Shrimp Festival.

The public is invited to a meeting on border security, child trafficking and human trafficking in West Mobile on Tuesday, January 7, at 6 p.m. at Hill Spring Baptist Church, 335 Eliza Jordan Road.

The meeting is organized by Eagle Forum of West Mobile. No ticket or RSVP is needed.

The resource person will be Angelo Fermo of Baldwin County. He is a long-time law enforcement and drug trafficking expert.

Fermo's fight against drug trafficking, cartel money laundering, child predators, and international terrorism has prepared him to lead for conservative values in Alabama. 

Angelo and his family rescue animals and currently have four dogs and two cats, five of which are rescues.

Angelo's career as a special agent began in San Antonio, Texas, but soon expanded far beyond. Through a series of assignments, he traveled across the United States and even internationally. Among his many skills, the dismantling of drug cartels became his niche. Fermo was offered the opportunity to work in Baldwin County, engaging in undercover operations.

While his career had thus far been marked by a focus on drug enforcement, Angelo had always been wary of the dark realm of child trafficking. However, life has a way of pushing individuals into uncomfortable yet necessary roles, and Angelo soon found himself entrenched in this very world.

The turning point in Angelo's career came when he landed a case involving child sexual assault and trafficking from Mobile County. It was a harrowing situation that would forever alter the course of his life. After successfully completing the mission and apprehending those responsible for the heinous acts, Angelo experienced a profound realization: this was not just a job; it was his calling. The encounter changed something within him, prompting a commitment to fight against the insidious forces of child trafficking.

Throughout his time in Mobile, Alabama, Angelo occasionally collaborated with Tim Harry, Founder of Severance Security and board member for The Children's Rescue Initiative — a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing children and adults trapped in sex trafficking and labor slavery. Their mission is not only to liberate victims but also to raise awareness and provide training to prevent such atrocities. Angelo was deeply moved by their efforts and recognized the importance of their work.

After retiring from federal service, Angelo was presented with an opportunity to join the board of The Children's Rescue Initiative. However, he had one condition for accepting the role: he wanted to participate in a mission to witness firsthand the impact of their work. This request was met with enthusiasm, and after embarking on the mission, Angelo returned with a renewed sense of purpose. He knew he had partnered with the right initiative, surrounded by dedicated partners committed to ending the scourge of human trafficking.

The work of the Children's Rescue Initiative is a necessary response to the alarming reality of modern slavery. Each mission is a reminder of the importance of community involvement, awareness, and action. Angelo's journey embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication to a cause that affects millions worldwide—one that demands our collective attention.

Fermo's journey is a rallying call for all of us to take action—whether through donations, volunteer work, or simply spreading awareness about this critical issue.

Angelo Fermo's story, which he will tell on Tuesday, is one of transformation and purpose. From a small-town dreamer to a dedicated special agent and now a champion for the voiceless, his path is a testament to the power of commitment and compassion.

More information is at thechildrensrescue.org

Information on the meeting host Eagle Forum is at https://www.facebook.com/EagleForumofAlabama

Come out and hear a story that can move you to get involved in fighting against the insecurity caused by our open borders.

Jim' Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.

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