Since 2000, the Trafficking in Persons Report has been a crucial tool for evaluating global efforts against human trafficking. This annually published report evaluates successes and shortcomings of countries and recommends changes. In 2010, the report started applying the same standards to the U.S. as other countries.
The 2026 report marks a significant regression. It was released over three months late after staffing reductions in the State Department cut the trafficking office to a fraction of its former size. The report removed nearly 2,000 prioritized recommendations spanning 188 countries. These recommendations were vital for guiding governments and measuring progress. Without them, the report’s effectiveness is diminished.
Content in the 2026 report has decreased by about 40% compared to the previous year. Information on topics like child sexual exploitation, male trafficking victims, and advocacy groups was reduced or omitted. The U.S. section no longer includes recommendations, cutting key feedback from non-government organizations and survivors.
Notably absent is any mention of the Jeffrey Epstein case, a significant event in the conversation around child sex trafficking. This includes ignoring the Epstein Files Transparency Act and a flawed partial release of evidence by the Justice Department. The report focuses on achievements like enhanced immigration enforcement, but several organizations have highlighted that increased deportations risk child trafficking survivors.
The previous year’s report acknowledged several troubling issues and highlighted concerns like potential deportation risks for trafficking victims. Reports on T-visas and vital protections such as continued presence authorization are now missing. Although it notes a severe funding cut for victim services from $82.3 million to $18.9 million, the report fails to offer detailed impact analysis.
There were some positive developments. Federal trafficking convictions rose, and the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act was enacted, offering legal relief to forced victims. Yet, without addressing declining victim services, the report provides an incomplete picture.
Protect All Children from Trafficking submitted several suggestions for the U.S. section. These included emphasizing prevention education, recognizing the transportation sector’s role in prevention, addressing boys’ vulnerability, and requiring survivor input in prevention programs. Few of these suggestions were included. Prevention education received a brief mention related to Florida’s public school training mandate. However, related funding saw a decrease, and mentions of boys were minimal, with transportation workers only appearing in a training list. An advisory council meeting constituted the summary of survivor involvement.
The report also sidestepped concerns regarding immigration’s role in complicating victim identification.
Efforts next year should focus on restoring the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons to its full capacity. This includes staffing, resource allocation, and thorough prioritization within the report. Congressional involvement through oversight and reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act is also essential. Reasserting comprehensive assessments will require restoring victim support and ensuring legal representation for unaccompanied minors.
The United States historically spearheaded anti-trafficking initiatives. Diluting the Trafficking in Persons Report undermines these efforts, potentially making it simpler for trafficking activities to remain unnoticed.
Aram A. Schvey is the senior director of Policy and Government Relations at Protect All Children from Trafficking and formerly advised Congress in the State Department’s trafficking office.
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