The District of Utah has joined the national observance of 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 initiative aims to increase operational activities, raise awareness, and strengthen collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies 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.”
United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem commented on the federal approach: “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 added that law enforcement partnerships are central: “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.”
U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak emphasized that Utah is also affected: “Human traffickers live among our communities throughout the nation, and Utah is not immune to these types of crimes. As with this administration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to combat the evils of human trafficking. Along with our law enforcement partners, we reaffirm our commitment to investigate and prosecute these horrific crimes and hold these traffickers accountable.”
In January 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159 directing DOJ and DHS leaders to establish Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) nationwide aimed at dismantling criminal organizations involved in smuggling or trafficking offenses.
Recent cases prosecuted by the District of Utah include indictments against Bobby Antwone Jones for transporting a minor for sexual activity as well as child sex trafficking charges; his trial is scheduled for March 16, 2026. Aaron Kern was indicted on sex trafficking charges in March 2025; he pleaded guilty related to attempted transportation for prostitution with sentencing set for April 15, 2026.
As part of ongoing initiatives this January by DHS and DOJ:
– Agencies are prioritizing investigations across multiple locations nationwide.
– Coordination continues between FBI squads focused on victim recovery.
– Partnerships have been established with AMTRAK for increased law enforcement presence at stations along with informational posters about reporting suspected cases.
– Efforts are underway regarding restitution funds recovered from Backpage operations for distribution among victims.
– Educational outreach events about HSTFs’ roles are being held at schools.
On August 25th last year HSTF began its expanded operations which led within just over six weeks (43 days) nationwide—including more than three thousand arrests—targeting cartel members from Sinaloa Cartel (1,041), Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (856), MS-13 (641), Tren de Aragua (456); seizures included over a thousand weapons; millions in currency; approximately ninety-one metric tons of narcotics seized.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has affirmed its ongoing review of cases involving exploitation through human trafficking.
