Report Shows Uneven Protections for Trafficking Victims Across U.S.

Allies Against Slavery data reveals rising exploitation as online ads and illicit massage businesses surge nationwide

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A new report from Allies Against Slavery highlights stark disparities in how states address human trafficking, with some adopting nearly all core anti-trafficking policies while others have passed fewer than half. The report also found federal prosecutions heavily skewed toward child sex trafficking cases, and wide variations in sentencing laws across the country, leading to unequal accountability and justice depending on location.

Why it matters

The report underscores how a person's ZIP code can determine the level of protection and justice they receive as a victim of human trafficking, raising concerns about equal access to safety and support services nationwide. It also points to the growing scale of online commercial sex ads and illicit massage businesses as indicators of rising exploitation, requiring a coordinated response from policymakers, advocates, and communities.

The details

The 2026 State Human Trafficking Report, developed by Allies Against Slavery in collaboration with several partners, analyzed state laws, federal prosecutions, hotline data, and demand-side metrics like online sex ads and illicit massage businesses. Key findings include: Since 2003, states have enacted 772 trafficking-related policies, but the safeguards they provide depend heavily on geography; federal prosecutions remain heavily skewed toward child sex trafficking cases; sentencing laws vary dramatically, with some states imposing no mandatory minimums while others require 20-year minimums; and in 2024 alone, there were 19.3 million online commercial sex ads nationwide and 17,276 illicit massage businesses identified.

  • Since 2003, states have enacted 772 trafficking-related policies.
  • Between 2000 and 2023, 2,561 federal trafficking cases were filed, with 2,008 involving minor sex trafficking.
  • From 2007 to 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline recorded 102,555 trafficking situations and 219,832 potential victims.
  • In 2024 alone, there were 19.3 million online commercial sex advertisements nationwide and 17,276 illicit massage businesses identified in the U.S.

The players

Allies Against Slavery

A nonprofit organization that harnesses data to illuminate and eradicate human trafficking through its innovative data platform and strategic partnerships.

Polaris

A national anti-trafficking organization that operates the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

The Network

A collaborative partner with Allies Against Slavery in developing the 2026 State Human Trafficking Report.

University of Alabama Institute for Data Analytics

A research partner with Allies Against Slavery in developing the 2026 State Human Trafficking Report.

John Nehme

President and CEO of Allies Against Slavery.

Dr. Vanessa Bouché

Chief Impact Officer at Allies Against Slavery and lead author of the 2026 State Human Trafficking Report.

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What they’re saying

“Over two decades, the United States has built an impressive foundation of laws to address human trafficking, but the data are clear: we are still over-relying on prosecution and underinvesting in prevention.”

— John Nehme, President and CEO of Allies Against Slavery

“The federal data tell a powerful and troubling story. Minors exploited in the sex trade are far more likely to see their cases prosecuted than adults or labor trafficking survivors, and sentencing ranges that swing from no minimum to 20-year mandatory minimums mean justice looks very different from state to state.”

— Dr. Vanessa Bouché, Chief Impact Officer at Allies Against Slavery

“The convergence of policy, prosecution, hotline, and demand-side data makes this report uniquely actionable.”

— John Nehme, President and CEO of Allies Against Slavery

What’s next

On Tuesday, February 24, at 11:00 am CST, Allies Against Slavery will host a webinar to deliver insights and actions based on the data provided in the 2026 State Human Trafficking Report.

The takeaway

This report highlights the urgent need to address the uneven landscape of anti-trafficking policies and protections across the United States, ensuring that all victims of human trafficking have equal access to safety, support, and justice regardless of their geographic location.