The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama has recognized National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, aligning with the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) to emphasize efforts against human trafficking and support for victims. The month serves as a time for these agencies to focus on operational actions, public education, and interagency cooperation to disrupt trafficking networks.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “This Department of Justice is working tirelessly alongside our partners to dismantle human trafficking networks, help survivors, and protect vulnerable populations from being exploited. Under this administration we have seen an increase in human trafficking prosecutions, and during Human Trafficking Prevention Month we reaffirm our commitment to prosecuting traffickers and encourage Americans to report instances of human trafficking in their communities.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem commented on the work being done through joint task forces: “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, President Trump is taking the fight directly to human trafficking networks and disrupting their modern-day slave trade while seizing their assets and arresting their kingpins and foot soldiers. The American people should not have to live in fear of cartels, gang bangers, and foreign terrorists preying upon the most vulnerable among us. The Homeland Security Task Force is the largest coordinated campaign against transnational criminal organizations in U.S. history, and I’m proud to co-lead it with Attorney General Bondi.”
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted collaborative law enforcement efforts: “During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the FBI reiterates our work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and national victim-based advocacy groups in joint task forces to protect our communities across the country. The horrifying reach of human trafficking spreads far and wide. Homeland Security Task Forces are fighting back to disrupt these perilous networks and put a stop to that reach. The FBI will continue our investigations and bring justice to those exploited by human traffickers.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson added that his office remains dedicated: “Human trafficking is a brutal crime that preys on the most vulnerable members of our communities, and this office is committed to using every available tool to hold traffickers accountable. Through close coordination with our federal, state, and local partners, the Middle District of Alabama will continue to aggressively pursue traffickers, protect victims and survivors, and ensure that those who profit from exploitation are brought to justice.”
President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159 in January 2025 which required DOJ and DHS leaders to create Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) in all states with goals including ending criminal cartel activity in the U.S., breaking up cross-border smuggling operations—especially those involving children—and using all legal tools for immigration law enforcement.
Since January 20, 2025, combating human trafficking has been a top priority for authorities in Alabama’s Middle District. In November 2025, two men from Montgomery were convicted for running a sex trafficking operation involving multiple victims—including minors—using violence, threats against families, weapons intimidation, and exploiting drug addictions.
In January 2026 efforts have included prioritizing active investigations at dozens of federal locations nationwide—particularly along borders—coordinating recovery operations through specialized FBI squads; working with transportation services like AMTRAK; distributing informational posters; organizing educational seminars at schools; as well as restitution programs related to proceeds recovered from illicit websites.
On August 25th last year HSTF launched its official campaign culminating in a surge across September where over forty days authorities made more than three thousand arrests—including members from several major criminal organizations—and seized large quantities of drugs, weapons, cash.
For more information about anti-trafficking initiatives visit www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing human trafficking or want more information about reporting it confidentially call 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733 (BEFREE).
