Readout from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement meeting with the Office of Virginia Attorney General

WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, met with Virginia Attorney General Jason S. Miyares, at the Washington D.C.-based DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) today.

Hosted by CCHT Director Cardell T. Morant, the meeting was attended by members involved in counter-human trafficking efforts from the State of Virginia and Homeland Security Investigations. The discussions focused on a path forward for increased collaboration in combating human trafficking in Virginia, and commemorated the last day of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

HSI engages with stakeholders nationwide to combat human trafficking by raising awareness through programs like the DHS Blue Campaign and partnered law enforcement efforts, such as the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force, which was established in October of 2016 to address the emerging public safety threat of human trafficking in the Hampton Roads Region of Virginia. Since its inception, the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force has identified more than 300 victims, conducted more than 300 investigations, and made more than 150 arrests.

Human trafficking is an egregious crime. It is estimated that on any given day last year, there were over 27 million adults and children who are exploited in countries around the world, including right here in the United States.

Since its creation in 2020, the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking has supported thousands of criminal investigations; overhauled and streamlined the Continued Presence program; provided training to over 25,000 law enforcement, government, and non-governmental organization participants; and led national outreach initiatives that have resulted in millions of engagements with the public.

Anyone who suspects human trafficking is encouraged to report it to law enforcement – tips can be submitted anonymously online or by calling 866-347-2423. Individuals can also contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

U.S. Immigration Enforcement protects America through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety.