Hidden in Plain Sight: Understanding Federal Efforts to Stop Human Trafficking

Chairwoman McSally, Ranking Member Vela, and distinguished members of the Subcommittee. 

Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in investigating human traffickers and protecting victims. Fighting all forms of modern day slavery is one of ICE’s top operational goals, specifically to “disrupt and dismantle organized human smuggling and trafficking.” As one of 26 Special Agents in Charge, I can attest to the pervasiveness of the crime, as well as the vital role ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) plays in investigating human trafficking crimes, assisting victims, and bringing perpetrators to justice. I am also honored to have our partners in the fight against human trafficking on the panel with me today, including; DHS Office of Partnership and Engagement, Assistant Secretary John Hill, who oversees the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign, and Assistant Attorney General John Gore from the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

ICE HSI is the leader in combatting transnational criminal organizations engaged in human trafficking. ICE HSI conducts more than 1,000 human trafficking investigations annually, identifies and assists hundreds of victims, conducts extensive local outreach and training to generate leads, and trains foreign law enforcement partners on human trafficking through International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA). As a lead federal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating human trafficking, we leverage our global operational apparatus of more than 200 domestic offices and 67 international offices in 50 countries. This global footprint allows HSI to be strategically situated to work with law enforcement partners, as well as non-governmental organizations, which bring human trafficking tips and leads to HSI Special Agents worldwide.

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