President Donald J. Trump has declared January 2026 as “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.” Under the direction of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is intensifying efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks and protect victims across the United States.
On his first day in office, President Trump issued Executive Order 14165 on securing borders and Executive Order 14159 focused on protecting Americans from invasion. These directives have prioritized eradicating human trafficking. The President’s Homeland Security Task Force, co-led by Secretary Noem, along with the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking—established during Trump’s previous term—are leading federal actions against sex trafficking and forced labor operations.
“The brave men and women of DHS are the best in the world at going after traffickers. They are always able to track down those who are trafficking individuals, find the ringleaders, and rip that evil off by its head,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “I’m so thankful that I get the chance to lead individuals like that and agents who get up every day to help save our children and to save women and men from the kind of slavery that we’ve seen.”
Since January 20, 2025, several initiatives have been launched targeting human trafficking crimes. Secretary Noem has overseen efforts to address issues related to unaccompanied minors at risk due to inadequate vetting processes under prior policies. The administration reports having located over 132,000 out of an estimated 450,000 unaccompanied children who were previously placed with unvetted sponsors.
In November 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), working with state and local law enforcement partners under Section 287(g), began a new initiative called the UAC Safety Verification Initiative. This program focuses on welfare checks for these vulnerable children to prevent sexual abuse or exploitation.
Recent ICE operations have led to arrests in several states:
- In Arizona: a Guinean sponsor was arrested following felony aggravated assault charges.
- In Florida: multiple Honduran sponsors were arrested for offenses including assault, larceny, fraud, counterfeiting, attempted robbery with a weapon; a Guatemalan sponsor was also detained for felony hit-and-run.
- In Georgia: a Guatemalan sponsor convicted of domestic violence was apprehended.
- In Maryland: a Guatemalan sponsor faced arrest for rape involving an unaccompanied child.
- In Massachusetts: an Ecuadorian sponsor was taken into custody on charges related to child enticement and possession of child sexual abuse material.
The Homeland Security Task Force is also targeting transnational criminal organizations such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13 involved in sex trafficking activities. Since August 2025, thousands associated with groups like Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG (Jalisco Nuevo Generacion), MS-13, Tren de Aragua, among others have been arrested during task force operations.
A notable operation in September resulted in Mexican authorities arresting Martha Alicia Mendez Aguilar (“La Diabla”), identified as a ringleader connected with CJNG in Juarez. Her network reportedly exploited pregnant women through illegal medical procedures before selling newborns for profit.
With major events like the World Cup and Super Bowl approaching in 2026—as well as America 250 celebrations—DHS is coordinating with host cities nationally and internationally to prevent traffickers from using these gatherings as opportunities for exploitation.
Efforts also continue through public awareness campaigns such as DHS’s Blue Campaign which educates communities about recognizing signs of human trafficking while offering resources for victims and advocates.
The administration emphasizes its stance: perpetrators will be prosecuted. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, DHS reiterates its commitment as America’s frontline defense against these crimes.
To report suspected human trafficking to federal law enforcement call 1-866-347-2423; assistance is available via the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).
