HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE SPOTLIGHT : CPAC SUMMIT 2025

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) organized its third annual international conference addressing the issue of human trafficking in the United States and globally. The primary focus of this event was to highlight the need for state and federal governments to strengthen legal actions against traffickers designated as "terrorists" and to advocate for new opportunities ("second chances") for survivors. Participants supported the implementation of legislation exempting victims from criminal liability for offenses committed under coercion by traffickers. The conference also emphasized the importance of international collaboration and strategic approaches to address these crimes.

Distinguished attendees included the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, "Border Czar" Tom Homan, representatives of law enforcement, state attorneys, and Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Secretary Noem underscored that the current prevalence of victims is unprecedented, despite the enactment of recent laws. She commended her department’s investigators for their continued commitment and effectiveness in combating all forms of trafficking under challenging circumstances. Secretary Noem additionally announced the reinstatement of mandatory DNA testing for families claiming kinship with children during border crossings. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to clearly define trafficking-related offenses, support and provide financial assistance to young survivors, and reiterated her dedication to these objectives from her tenure as Governor of South Dakota. Furthermore, she noted the increase in ICE patrol officers resulting from the recent Big Beautiful Bill, and stressed the requirement for comprehensive criminal background checks on all sponsors of unaccompanied minors or individuals seeking sponsor status. She reported that her administration had successfully located 10,000 trafficked children out of the missing 300,000.

Additional speakers emphasized the adherence to the three core principles known as the 3 Ps—Protection, Pursuit, and Prevention—and advocated for expanding these with private Partnerships and public Policies, which they regard as essential components of a coordinated response to human trafficking.