Oregon — January 2026 has been designated National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with federal agencies highlighting recent enforcement activity, victim protection efforts, and public awareness initiatives aimed at combating sex trafficking and forced labor nationwide.
According to federal statements, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) coordinates anti-trafficking efforts across multiple agencies, focusing on investigations, arrests, victim identification, and intergovernmental partnerships. DHS reports that human trafficking investigations span both sex trafficking and forced labor cases, including crimes involving minors and transnational criminal organizations.
Federal officials report that since January 2025, DHS and its partners have conducted welfare checks and enforcement actions involving unaccompanied minors placed with sponsors. In November 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched the Unaccompanied Children Safety Verification Initiative in coordination with state and local law enforcement. DHS reports that more than 130,000 unaccompanied children have been located nationwide through these efforts, with arrests made in several states involving sponsors accused of violent crimes, sexual abuse, fraud, or other offenses.
Examples cited by federal authorities include arrests in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Massachusetts involving alleged crimes ranging from assault and domestic violence to rape and possession of child sexual abuse material. DHS states these cases remain under investigation or prosecution in state and federal courts.
DHS has also reported enforcement actions targeting transnational criminal organizations linked to human trafficking. Federal officials state that since August 2025, operations conducted by the Homeland Security Task Force have resulted in thousands of arrests connected to organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and major drug trafficking cartels operating in the United States and abroad. In one cited international case, a joint operation with Mexican law enforcement disrupted an alleged infant trafficking network operating in northern Mexico.
In preparation for large-scale events scheduled in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl, DHS reports it is working with host cities and international partners to prevent trafficking activity associated with major public gatherings. Federal agencies note that previous large events have required increased coordination to identify and deter exploitation.
Beyond enforcement, DHS continues public education and victim support through the Center for Countering Human Trafficking and the Blue Campaign, which provide training for law enforcement, community organizations, and the public on recognizing and reporting trafficking indicators.
Federal authorities encourage anyone with information about suspected human trafficking to contact DHS at 1-866-347-2423 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, available 24 hours a day.
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month is observed annually to raise awareness of trafficking crimes and promote reporting, prevention, and victim assistance efforts across the United States.
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