AG Announces Justice Department Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking
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U.S. Attorney General (AG) Merrick B. Garland recently unveiled the Justice Department's National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking with a pledge to strengthen the government's ability to interdict traffickers, prosecute existing cases, and support victims and survivors. The Biden Administration’s action plan, released on December 3, 2021, reaffirmed the federal government’s capacity to address human trafficking, providing the framework for the DOJ’s latest multi-year strategy.
The human trafficking industry exploits individuals for profit, preying on people from all backgrounds and ages at any given time, with an estimated 24.9 million victims worldwide. Since enacting the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in 2000, the American response to human trafficking has followed the "3P" paradigm–prosecution, protection, and prevention.
"Human trafficking erodes the safety of our communities, the security of our borders, the strength of our economy, and the rule of law." stated President Biden, "Any form of trafficking in people—from forced labor to sex trafficking—must not be tolerated."
According to AG Garland, the new approach to human trafficking “will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.” All 94 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and federal law enforcement will coordinate to back this effort.
Strategy initiatives include:
Implement federally funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that reinforce state law enforcement.
Develop and implement victim screening protocols that will inform law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share pertinent information.
Improve initiatives to reduce the vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violence and trafficking, and to locate missing children.
Enhance the ability of survivors of human trafficking to receive victim-centered assistance, including financial recovery support.
Promote training, resources, and expert advice on human trafficking.
“This national strategy will enhance the important work that is already being,” stated U.S. Attorney John J. Farley, “This joint effort is not just focused on prosecuting human traffickers. It is a comprehensive approach that includes training citizens to identify victims of human trafficking and providing victims with the assistance they need to escape from harmful situations and rebuild their lives.
Among dedicated attention and resources, the initiative includes advanced training in the juvenile justice system, drug trafficking investigations, and network development across sectors. During this process, the Department will develop a new victim screening protocol to support survivors during their law enforcement interactions, and employ an approach that is victim-centered, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.