Today, the FBI recognizes World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The FBI investigates over 1,000 cases of human trafficking each year and is continually evolving and adapting efforts and resources to outpace this rapidly growing criminal industry.
The most effective way to investigate human trafficking is through a collaborative, multi-agency approach with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners. FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces operate within nearly every FBI field office. These task forces seek to recover victims and investigate traffickers at the state and federal level.
Human trafficking is the illegal exploitation of a person for labor or services. Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking, and it can occur in any U.S. community—cities, suburbs, and even rural areas. The FBI investigates human trafficking cases under its Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking program. We take a trauma informed, victim-centered approach to these cases.
“Human trafficking is an abhorrent crime that causes long-lasting trauma for victims,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The FBI and its law enforcement partners remain committed to eradicating this problem by holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice for those affected.”
Since 2020, the FBI has received nearly 2000 human trafficking tips from the public. While all reports have not resulted in investigations, the FBI encourages the public to continue to report suspicion of human trafficking activity.
More information about how the FBI investigates human trafficking can be found on the FBI website.
