US human trafficking arrests hit all-time high in 2016

Nearly 2,000 people were arrested in fiscal year 2016 as a result of human trafficking investigations launched by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations branch. Last year’s figures are the highest on record, according to a statement issued Monday evening.

In the seven years since former President Obama declared January the National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, HSI has tracked its efforts to tackle the underground industry. The number of arrestees for involvement in the illegal trade and exploitation of people for commercial gain has continued to rise.