The Department of Justice plays a central role in combating
human trafficking. We initiate federal investigations, pursue criminal
prosecutions, and seek lengthy sentences for perpetrators. Federal prosecutors,
FBI agents and Deputy U.S. Marshals join in task forces with Homeland Security
and Department of Labor agents and with local and state police and prosecutors
to identify and rescue victims.
In our 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Law Enforcement
Coordinators schedule training sessions and work with non-government
organizations that combat trafficking.
Our Victim-Witness Coordinators work to keep victims safe and help them
rebuild their lives.
A few weeks ago, I received a message from a teenage victim
in a case our U.S. Attorney’s Office handled in Maryland. This is what she
wrote to our prosecutors:
“I wanted to take this chance to personally thank you … for
everything you did for me, and tell you about how my life has changed for the
better since meeting you…. I am miraculously stable, with no more signs of
depression or PTSD. I’ve been able to fully recover and thrive…. I can without
a doubt say that you contributed to that in the biggest way…. I graduated high
school with honors…. There’s one … change I’ve made that I’m especially proud
of…. I realized … that I want[] to help children… through counseling, schools,
treatment centers, [or] the foster system. I hope to provide … them the same
gift you provided me, hope for a better future, and the ability to live a
better life. Thank you for your tireless work and your support and
encouragement during the hardest part of my life[.] I will forever be grateful.
I wanted you to know how much what you did meant to me, and how much it changed
my life.”
That young woman inspires us. Last year, our Department secured
a record 499 human trafficking convictions, a 14% increase over the prior year.
In April, we seized and shut down the notorious
international web site Backpage.com, which facilitated sex trafficking. Several
companies and individuals pleaded guilty to federal charges. As sex trafficking
moves from street corners to web pages, we need to respond.
The Department of Justice also administers a large amount of
federal funding for trafficking victims. We devoted $67 million last year for
support ranging from housing to legal services.
We are continuing to work with Homeland Security Secretary
Nielsen and Labor Secretary Acosta on the Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team
Initiative. We are also grateful to Secretary Azar and the Department of Health
and Human Services for supporting trafficking victims. And we are working with
Secretary Carson and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to improve
housing for victims.
President Trump made clear that this Administration is
taking a stand against human trafficking. The Department of Justice will
continue to combat human trafficking and support survivors.
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