An estimated 50 million people worldwide are living in situations of modern slavery on any given day in 2021, according to the latest Global Estimates of Modern Slavery and it is estimated that between 15,000 to 50,000 women and children are forced into sexual slavery in the United States every year, and the total number varies wildly as it is very difficult to research. One study from the Department of Health and Human Services estimated the number between 240,000 and 325,000, while a report from the University of Pennsylvania put it at between 100,000 and 300,000.

Human traffickers employ various methods to ensnare their victims, exploiting vulnerabilities and manipulative tactics. The top forms of recruitment into trafficking in the United States include involvement of family members or caregivers (33%), intimate partners (28%), and employers (22%). Furthermore, online platforms such as dating sites and social media (23%) and physical locations like streets and neighborhoods (11%) serve as significant recruitment avenues.

Identifying vulnerability factors is crucial in addressing the root causes of human trafficking. In the United States, recent migration or relocation (54%) poses the most significant risk, followed by mental or physical health concerns (10%), substance use (9%), unstable housing (8%), and runaway or homeless youth (7%). These risk factors highlight the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations and prevent trafficking.

Globally, human trafficking ranks as the second most profitable illegal industry, surpassed only by the drug trade. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that there are approximately 49.6 million people living in modern slavery worldwide, including forced labor, sex trafficking, and forced marriage. To put this figure into perspective, it is equivalent to about 1 in every 150 individuals globally or approximately 15 times the population of the state of Utah. Moreover, the ILO estimates the annual profits generated by human trafficking to be a staggering $150 billion.

The situation at the United States border has become a significant concern, with the influx of migrants providing opportunities for human traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals. The lax border policies implemented by the Biden administration have contributed to a surge in illegal border crossings and increased the risk of human trafficking. The number of unaccompanied minors crossing the border has reached alarming levels, with nearly 60% of these children falling into the clutches of cartels and being forced into child pornography and drug trafficking.