When CPAC founded its new Center in 2023, our goal was not only to influence policy change in the Nation’s Capital but provide leaders in communities across the country with the resources to root out trafficking. Earlier this month, our team had the opportunity to do exactly that – meeting with local leaders outside of Wilmington, Delaware to share more about the growing problem of labor and sex trafficking while discussing solutions to give us the upper hand in this fight against criminal cartels.
Human trafficking is often viewed through the lens of our country’s border crisis – and for good reason. The United States Department of State estimates that between 14,500 and 17,500 victims are trafficked within the United States each year, and an estimated 72% of these victims are immigrants. Looking at the darker side, more than 370,000 unaccompanied children have come through the southern border under the Biden administration. This may lead some observers in communities like Wilmington to believe the problem only impacts border states such as Texas and Arizona, yet the statistics tell a different story. Delaware finds itself in the top half of States based on reports of labor or sex trafficking and yet has some of the lowest prosecution rates in the country.
That’s why CPAC is prioritizing meeting with leaders in communities across the country. Strategizing plans to keep local law enforcement officials informed of suspicious activity, creating new networks to push for legislative change that protects victims, and leading efforts to shine a light on criminals operating in these cities are vital in our push to end modern day slavery at home and abroad. Our Center is ready and willing to assist any communities looking to step up their effort in pushing traffickers out of the United States and looks forward to fostering a nationwide network of activists focused on our shared goal of supporting survivors.
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