Combating Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit human beings for some type of labor or commercial sex purpose. Every year, millions of men, women, and children worldwide—including in the United States—are victims of human trafficking. Victims are often lured with false promises of well-paying jobs or are manipulated by people they trust, but instead are forced or coerced into prostitution, domestic servitude, farm or factory labor, or other types of forced labor.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for investigating human trafficking, arresting traffickers and protecting victims. DHS initiates hundreds of investigations and makes numerous arrests every year, using a victim-centered approach. DHS also processes immigration relief through Continued Presence (CP), T visas, and U visas to victims of human trafficking and other designated crimes.
In 2010, DHS launched the Blue Campaign, unifying the DHS components to more effectively combat human trafficking through enhanced public awareness, training, victim assistance, and law enforcement investigations. By expanding our collaboration within the department, as well as among domestic and international governments, law enforcement, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, DHS is helping to protect victims from being trafficked both within the United States and around the world.
Recognize the Indicators of Human Trafficking
Everyone has a role to play in combating human trafficking. Blue Campaign created a variety of resources to inform people about the crime of human trafficking, how to report suspected cases of human trafficking, and how to get involved in combating human trafficking.
Report Suspected Human Trafficking
Report suspected human trafficking activity to law enforcement (available 24/7, in over 300 languages and dialects at):
- Call 1-866-347-2423 (toll free)
- Call 1-802-872-6199 (non toll free international)
- Report online at www.ice.gov/tips
Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-3737-888 to get help or connect with a service provider in your area. The NHTRC is not a law enforcement or immigration authority and is operated by a nongovernmental organization.