Combating Human Trafficking

Every year, millions of men, women, and children are removed from their families and homelands and trafficked in countries around the world, including the United States, and forced to live a life “hidden in plain sight.” Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery involving the exploitation of children and adults. Those engaging in this crime use force, coercion or fraud to compel victims into servitude or commercial sexual exploitation.

Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution

To combat this modern-day slavery, DHS launched The Blue Campaign, a unique initiative to coordinate and enhance efforts to address human trafficking. The campaign name references the global anti-human trafficking symbols the Blue Heart and the Blue Blindfold, as well as the "thin blue line" of law enforcement.  The Blue Campaign is organized around the "three Ps" of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000: Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution.

Collaborating to Prevent and Protect

Through public outreach, victim protection, and law enforcement training, DHS works diligently to prevent human trafficking before it occurs, and to protect victims. DHS is committed to investigating cases of human trafficking in order to bring traffickers to justice.

By expanding our collaboration within our department, as well as with domestic and international partners, we are helping to protect victims from being trafficked both within the United States and around the world.  

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Human Trafficking Awareness Training