Reuters: Federal Sex-Trafficking Prosecutions in the United States Fall to Their Lowest Pace Since 2010

Reuters: Federal Sex-Trafficking Prosecutions in the United States Fall to Their Lowest Pace Since 2010

Federal sex-trafficking prosecutions in the United States have declined to their lowest pace since 2010, according to an investigation published by Reuters on August 13, 2026.

An analysis of federal court records found that the U.S. Department of Justice charged 73 people with sex trafficking during the first six months of 2026, approximately 22% fewer than the average for the corresponding periods of the previous three years.

The Reuters investigation, based on court records and interviews with 25 former prosecutors, law enforcement officials and victim advocates, identified several factors potentially contributing to the decline, including staffing shortages, the reassignment of investigators to immigration enforcement, and reductions or delays in funding for victim-support organizations.

The report also highlighted challenges facing trafficking survivors. Organizations providing emergency accommodation, legal assistance and psychological support reported funding disruptions, while immigration-related concerns have made some victims more reluctant to cooperate with investigators.

According to Reuters, 354 T-visas, which provide immigration protection to eligible trafficking victims, were approved during the first six months of the current U.S. fiscal year, approximately half the typical approval pace over the past decade.

U.S. Justice Department representatives maintained that combating human trafficking remains a priority and suggested that the decline in new prosecutions may partly reflect resources devoted to ongoing complex cases.

The findings highlight the importance of sustained law enforcement capacity, accessible victim-support services and trust between trafficking survivors and public authorities.

Source: Reuters — Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff, Brad Heath and Kristina Cooke. https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-promised-sex-trafficking-crackdown-his-justice-department-hasnt-delivered-2026-08-13/