OPINION:
There’s no denying that over the past four years, the issue of human trafficking has, at best, been ignored but more likely exasperated. However, the tides are turning and the Trump administration is showing early signs of taking decisive action to address this issue head-on. These actions are long overdue and absolutely critical to maintaining law and order in our country.
Border security has played a key role in these efforts, as traffickers exploit weaknesses in the system to coerce victims into forced labor and sexual exploitation. The surge of unaccompanied minors and migrants without stable support systems created new vulnerabilities, fueling concerns that criminal networks were taking advantage of gaps in immigration enforcement.
Frustrated by the lack of federal solutions, attorneys general nationwide have expanded efforts at the state and local levels. Nonprofits and private-sector partners are also exploring innovative solutions for funding government shortfalls, survivor support programs and technological solutions to improve identification and response.
While these efforts have laid the groundwork for meaningful impact, they represent only the tip of the iceberg.
Human trafficking, especially the trafficking of children, is much bigger than a border issue. The sad reality is that America fuels a $10 billion industry of child exploitation. For too long, many have ignored or underestimated the scale of this atrocity.
Long before the border crisis, vulnerable populations — including displaced children, those in foster care and individuals in poverty — have been at great risk. Hundreds of thousands of American children are trafficked annually within our borders, and that’s just the data we can measure. The United States, with its vast resources, is uniquely positioned to dismantle this dark industry from the inside out.
The reality is that identifying victims remains one of the greatest challenges. Trafficking often occurs in plain sight, but the signs are nuanced and frequently misunderstood. Many victims are groomed by individuals they trust, making their situations harder to detect. Reports show that nearly 40% of trafficking cases involve perpetrators who are family members, making law enforcement intervention even more difficult.
As a nation, we must push for transparency and accountability. We cannot expect to take this issue seriously while powerful individuals implicated in trafficking scandals go unchecked. Exposing those who enable this crime, regardless of their status, is critical.
Beyond the justice system, America must also take steps to ensure that the resources and policies in place address not just the immediate symptoms of trafficking but also the systemic vulnerabilities that allow it to thrive. A comprehensive, community-based approach is essential.
Border security is one pillar of this fight, but education and public awareness are equally critical. Traffickers rely on the naivete of the communities they infiltrate. Training programs to equip citizens with the skills to recognize and report trafficking are severely underused. Teachers, health care workers, social workers, hospitality professionals and others in public-facing roles are often in the best positions to identify warning signs. With proper training and awareness, these groups can play a crucial role in helping victims escape and holding traffickers accountable.
The Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the vulnerabilities of those coming across the border illegally to combat trafficking is a bold and critical step, and now collaboration must extend beyond federal agencies. State and local governments, nonprofits and the private sector must all be engaged. Laws must be strengthened to hold traffickers accountable, resources must be allocated to survivor care, and communities must be equipped to detect trafficking where it hides. At the end of the day, we must enact policies that are trauma-informed and supported by input from those with real-life experiences.
Technology also plays a critical role. Reporting tools that allow individuals to flag suspected trafficking cases in real time and quickly connect them to law enforcement can significantly improve response times and outcomes.
Equally vital is ensuring survivors receive proper aftercare. The trauma endured by trafficking victims cannot be undone overnight. Survivors need access to transitional housing, legal advocacy, therapy and life skills training to rebuild their lives and regain independence. Holistic support systems prioritizing healing are essential for helping survivors reintegrate into society and thrive.
Protecting our children from this evil is not a partisan issue. The road ahead is long, and there is no single solution. To rid our country of this evil, we must act in unity through education, support anti-trafficking efforts and advocate for policies that protect the most vulnerable.
Together, we can eradicate human trafficking one survivor at a time and ensure that every child has the opportunity to live free.
• Kristi Wells serves as CEO of Safe House Project, a nonprofit organization that is uniting communities nationwide to end domestic sex trafficking while ensuring that each survivor has access to the care they need to rebuild their lives.
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