Sex-Trafficking Prosecutions Decline Despite Trump Administration’s Priority Claims

Federal sex trafficking prosecutions have dropped sharply over the past six months, even as the Trump administration continues to describe combating trafficking as a top priority, according to a review of court records and interviews with dozens of prosecutors, agents and victims’ advocates.

Prosecutions Hit Slowest Pace Since 2010

The Justice Department charged 73 people with federal sex-trafficking crimes through June, about 22 percent below the average for the same period over the past three years. Related charges also declined, including child pornography cases, down 3 percent, and Mann Act violations involving interstate prostitution, down 18 percent. Former federal prosecutor Jacqueline Kelley, who led the prosecution of Sean Combs, said prioritizing an issue without providing adequate resources undermines real enforcement.

Staffing Shortages and Shifting Priorities

Investigators say the decline stems from budget cuts, staffing shortages and a broader shift toward immigration enforcement. Many experienced prosecutors have left the department, and a significant portion of Homeland Security Investigations agents were reassigned to immigration duties last year. In some offices, remaining agents reportedly struggle to find prosecutors willing to take on new trafficking cases.

Victim Support Programs Also Affected

Federal grants supporting trafficking victims, typically totaling around 90 million dollars annually, have faced delays, disrupting services like emergency housing and counseling. Additionally, the number of T-visas granted to trafficking victims fell to roughly half the historical average, with attorneys citing cases where cooperating victims were detained by immigration authorities.

Officials Defend Commitment

Justice Department officials maintain that trafficking enforcement remains a priority, attributing some prosecution delays to ongoing litigation of existing cases rather than reduced focus.