Associated Press: New U.S. Trafficking Reporting Policy Raises Concerns About Protection of Migrant Children

Associated Press: New U.S. Trafficking Reporting Policy Raises Concerns About Protection of Migrant Children

A change in U.S. government procedures for reporting suspected human trafficking involving unaccompanied migrant children has raised concerns among child protection organizations, according to an Associated Press investigation published on September 16, 2026.

Under a directive issued on September 10, caregivers and federal employees must report suspected cases of child labor or sex trafficking to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), rather than directly to the specialized Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP).

The ORR will review the reports and determine which cases should be referred to OTIP for further assessment.

Previously, caregivers were required to screen unaccompanied children for potential trafficking within five days of admission to a shelter and notify OTIP within 24 hours when trafficking was suspected.

The policy change affects approximately 1,800 children in federal custody, as well as other minors under government supervision.

U.S. officials stated that the revised procedure aims to reduce inappropriate referrals and improve the accuracy of trafficking assessments. However, child protection advocates warned that the additional review process could delay victim identification and limit access to essential services, including safe accommodation, legal assistance and immigration protections.

The case highlights the importance of timely screening, specialized victim identification and child-centered protection procedures in preventing further exploitation of vulnerable children.

Source: Associated Press — Ryan J. Foley. https://apnews.com/article/4cd31c79202b49c6144f474c970eeff4