The White House has recently released an updated National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking which focuses on prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership as part of an ongoing effort to combat forced labor.

The updated action plan will have the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enhance its partnerships with industry and its coordination with law enforcement and social media to find human trafficking networks and forced labor incidents, a DHS press release said. The department will also improve “access to immigration assistance programs for victims of human trafficking” and enhance “initiatives that combat forced labor and traffickers’ illicit use of financial systems.”

The DHS aided in formulating the plan implemented on Dec. 3, the release said. The Biden Administration and DHS have both voiced the top priority placement they give to combating human trafficking.

“DHS has a long-standing commitment to combat human trafficking,” the release said. “In the last fiscal year, DHS has made tremendous progress on this issue.”

During fiscal year 2021, DHS created the Center for Countering Human Trafficking led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. It focuses on providing DHS capabilities and expertise to advance law enforcement operations, protect victims and enhance prevention. 

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol also detained 1,500 shipments, which was up 324 from last fiscal year, and seized 57 shipments with a combined estimated value of $485 million, an increase of $55 million from last fiscal year, the release said. Seven Withhold Release Orders were also issued to prevent merchandise made with forced labor to be imported.

The number of human trafficking cases increased to 1,111 from 947 in fiscal year 2021 and arrests went up to 2,360 from 1,746, the release said. There were 728 victims identified and assisted. 

There are an estimated 25 million people subjected to human trafficking and forced labor worldwide, amounting to a $150 billion illegal industry, a fact sheet released by the White House said.

“Human trafficking disproportionately impacts some of the most vulnerable and underserved members of our society,” The White House said in a statement. “The updated National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking responds to this predatory behavior by addressing the needs of underserved individuals, families, and communities.”