The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois is recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, aligning with efforts by the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) to combat human trafficking and support victims.
According to a DHS press release, Human Trafficking Prevention Month serves as a time for DHS and DOJ, through Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs), to increase operational actions, raise awareness among the public, and strengthen collaboration across federal, state, and local agencies. The goal is to disrupt trafficking networks, protect those at risk, and ensure traffickers are prosecuted.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated: “This Department of Justice is working tirelessly alongside our partners to dismantle human trafficking networks, help survivors, and protect vulnerable populations from being exploited. Under this administration we have seen an increase in human trafficking prosecutions, and during Human Trafficking Prevention Month we reaffirm our commitment to prosecuting traffickers and encourage Americans to report instances of human trafficking in their communities.”
United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said: “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, President Trump is taking the fight directly to human trafficking networks and disrupting their modern-day slave trade while seizing their assets and arresting their kingpins and foot soldiers. The American people should not have to live in fear of cartels, gang bangers, and foreign terrorists preying upon the most vulnerable among us. The Homeland Security Task Force is the largest coordinated campaign against transnational criminal organizations in U.S. history, and I’m proud to co-lead it with Attorney General Bondi.”
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized continued cooperation with other agencies: “During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the FBI reiterates our work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and national victim-based advocacy groups in joint task forces to protect our communities across the country. The horrifying reach of human trafficking spreads far and wide. Homeland Security Task Forces are fighting back to disrupt these perilous networks and put a stop to that reach. The FBI will continue our investigations and bring justice to those exploited by human traffickers.”
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft commented: “During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, pursuing traffickers with every available resource and working alongside our law enforcement partners to dismantle the networks responsible for exploitation.”
In January 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159 directing HSTFs be established in every state, according to the press release. These task forces aim to end criminal cartel activity within U.S. borders; dismantle cross-border smuggling; focus on offenses involving children; and enforce immigration laws fully.
Since January 20, 2025—when HSTFs became active—federal charges have been brought against individuals involved in sex trafficking, drug trafficking rings operating internationally or domestically from abroad into southern Illinois, the press release stated.
As part of ongoing efforts in January 2026:
– Federal authorities are identifying active investigations while prioritizing operations across dozens of locations nationwide.
– Coordination continues between FBI squads specializing in human trafficking cases.
– Partnerships with AMTRAK increase law enforcement visibility on trains/stations; posters enable easier reporting.
– Advertisements inform about victim restitution programs funded by seized assets.
– Educational outreach highlights how HSTFs tackle these crimes.
A significant operation began August 25th last year when HSTF launched a major initiative resulting in more than three thousand arrests over six weeks nationwide—including members of major international crime organizations—and large seizures of weapons/currency/narcotics, according to the press release.
