Most states now have their own laws criminalizing human trafficking, making this form of modern-day slavery a violation not only of international and federal law, but also state laws.

As a result, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)―in particular U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)―pursues collaborative investigations with other law enforcement agencies at the international, federal, state, local, county, and tribal levels. DHS also works with those that have investigative authority, such as code inspectors, labor officials, and child welfare investigators. DHS’s primary aim in its fight against human trafficking is to work with law enforcement colleagues to protect and stabilize victims, prosecute offenders, and prevent additional trafficking.

E-mail the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit at ICE Headquarters with policy questions. For urgent or operational matters, call 866-347-2423.