In 2022, the National Human Trafficking Hotline documented over 10,000 cases, yet this figure represents merely the tip of the iceberg, as fear and coercion silence countless others. Traffickers reap massive profits from this $150 billion criminal industry, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention, prosecution, and survivor support. Awareness and action are critical to dismantling this pervasive threat. During the first term from 2017 to 2021, the Trump administration pursued a multifaceted strategy blending legislation, executive action, and agency initiatives. During this period, Trump signed nine bipartisan bills into law, including the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017 and the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2018. These measures enhanced victim services and sharpened prosecutorial tools against traffickers. Funding surged, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) allocating over $35 million for survivor housing in 2020—more than double the amount awarded under the Obama administration.
Now, in his second term, President Trump and his administration have taken early steps to combat human trafficking in the U.S. as of February 2025. Though still in its early phase, the administration has signaled a priority: reforming the “Unaccompanied Alien Children” (UAC) policy to curb child trafficking. These changes aim to bolster safeguards for minors entering the U.S., though specific details remain limited to the public.
One of President Trump’s opening moves targets vulnerabilities in the UAC policy administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Historically criticized for lax sponsor vetting, the program has exposed many to human trafficking risks. The Trump administration’s proposed reforms seek to fortify protections, aligning with its broader border security focus—a cornerstone of Trump’s platform.
Human trafficking is estimated at 24.9 million victims globally, according to a federal response from the U.S. Department of State. Within the U.S., thousands—often vulnerable women and children—are exploited for sex or labor, their suffering unfolding quietly or in plain sight within communities. The Heritage Foundation reported that 83% of child trafficking victims in the U.S. are American citizens—55% of victims are recruited through social media and are aged 7-11.
To combat this issue, in January 2020, Trump signed an Executive Order on Combating Human Trafficking and Online Child Exploitation, creating a White House coordinator to unify federal efforts (Executive Order 13903). A 2017 order further targeted transnational criminal organizations profiting from trafficking networks (Executive Order 13773). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched The Center for Countering Human Trafficking in 2020, integrating law enforcement and victim support, while federal agencies trained over 95,000 professionals, sparking over 1,600 new investigations in the Fiscal Year of 2019. DOJ-funded task forces added 2,582 more cases that year.
Currently, the Trump administration’s 2025 anti-trafficking agenda continues to take shape. The early emphasis on the UAC policy suggests continuity with past efforts to shield at-risk groups, particularly children. This focus hints that first-term strategies—like increased funding, law enforcement operations, and international partnerships—may be revived or expanded. Given President Trump’s historical commitment, further announcements are anticipated, potentially tied to securing the U.S. border, a linchpin in disrupting trafficking routes. While challenges remain, these initial steps reflect a renewed resolve to confront this modern evil head-on.
Understanding the Human Trafficking Crisis: Trump's Policy Response
- by: Brooklynn Robinson
- 02/21/2025
- Source:
UncoverDC
- 02/21/2025
